Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
On 13 June 2023, three individuals—students Barnaby and Grace along with caretaker Ian Coates—were fatally stabbed by Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020. Following the incident, Calocane was convicted of manslaughter under the grounds of diminished responsibility and has been detained in a high-security hospital.
Barnaby’s mother, Emma Webber, expressed her approval of recent actions taken by authorities, stating, “This is long overdue, and simply the right thing to do.” She criticized the fact that offenders like Calocane have previously received taxpayer-funded benefits, remarking, “A hospital bed does not erase the egregious crimes committed, nor the destruction they have caused.” Webber views the closure of this loophole as a measure that finally provides accountability for victims.
Grace’s father, Dr. Sanjoy Kumar, also commented on the changes, emphasizing the campaign’s focus on fairness and responsibility. He pointed out the substantial public cost of treatment orders and post-release support, including housing and benefits provided to offenders. “On the principle of fairness alone, we do not see why taxpayers should fund benefits while they are incarcerated,” Kumar stated, reinforcing the need for a fairer approach to welfare.
The government announced these reforms after consulting with victims’ families and experts, aiming to make the welfare system more equitable. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said, “For too long these violent criminals have had their living costs paid by the taxpayer twice over, while their victims and families paid the price.” He insisted this practice will end, ensuring support goes only to those truly in need. Meanwhile, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately criticized the delay in addressing this issue, arguing that killers and rapists should not receive benefits from hospital beds. The new regulations will apply to offenders subject to specific mental health orders under both the Mental Health Act 1983 and the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 and target serious offences such as manslaughter, attempted murder, and various forms of sexual assault. According to the government, these changes will impact around 2,500 individuals currently detained and an estimated 200 offenders annually in the future, with the financial effects to be detailed in the 2026 Budget
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.