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Banns banned behind bars

07 August 2024
Issue: 8083 / Categories: Legal News , Criminal , Human rights
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The Lord Chancellor has blocked prisoners serving whole life orders from ever getting married or entering into a civil partnership

The ban applies to prisoners convicted of exceptionally serious offences, such as serial or child murders which involved substantial premeditation or sexual or sadistic conduct, and who will never be released.

Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said: ‘Victims should not be tormented by seeing those who commit the most depraved crimes enjoy the moments in life that were stolen from their loved ones.’

Previously, prisoners made a formal application and could only be refused by a prison governor on grounds of security.

The ban was commenced by statutory instrument, under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which enshrines the principles of the Victims’ Code into law. The Lord Chancellor retains the right to permit ceremonies in exceptional circumstances.

Issue: 8083 / Categories: Legal News , Criminal , Human rights
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