An update on Victoria’s story. Plus the Prison and Probation Ombudsman, Adrian Usher, Chief Executive of the Howard League, Andrea Coomber, and leading barrister Dr. Felicity Gerry KC, speak about their work to end the IPP Scandal.
We last heard from Victoria in Episode 9 ‘Set Up to Fail’ where she’s known as Madison, because she didn’t want to give away her identity. Victoria is currently serving an IPP in the community. Sentenced to a 3 year tariff at 18, Victoria served 12 years in prison and has since been recalled twice for minor licence breaches. We hear how she’s now rebuilding her life on the outside, having battled severe self-harm, poor mental health, and the lasting psychological impact of indefinite detention.
We also hear from Adrian Usher, the Prison and Probation Ombudsman (PPO). In September 2023, the PPO issued a bulletin called ‘Learning Lessons Bulletin on the self-inflicted deaths of IPP prisoners’ to highlight how the IPPs sentence presents a unique risk factor for hopelessness and suicide. The Chief Executive of the Howard League, Andrea Coomber, explains how most IPP prisoner recalls are for technical breaches, not new crimes. And leading barrister Dr. Felicity Gerry KC, condemns the IPP sentence as cruel, ineffective, and tantamount to ‘state-sponsored torture.’
Finally we meet Victoria’s mum, Karen who describes years of anguish and deteriorating health. Despite some progress, like some probation officers avoiding unnecessary recalls, prison governors becoming more aware of IPPs’ unique needs, and campaigns in Parliament, the uncertainty and hopelessness of the IPP sentence continues to devastate lives.
Contributors in order of appearance:
Victoria, IPP prisoner on licence
Roddy Russell, brother of IPP serving prisoner Robert Russell
Adrian Usher, Prison and Probation Ombudsman | ppo.gov.uk
Andrea Coomber, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform | howardleague.org
Dr Felicity Gerry KC, Libertas Chambers, London & Crocket Chambers, Melbourne | felicitygerry.com
Karen, Victoria’s mum
Production Credits:
Presenter: Roddy Russell | @1roddyRussell
Executive Producer: Melissa FitzGerald | @Melissafitzg
Producer: Steve Langridge | @SMLANGERS
Consultant: Hank Rossi
An Ear Worm Production for the Institute of Now
Get involved:
➕ Follow Trapped on X, TikTok, Facebook or Instagram @Trapped_Pod
🔎 Search #IPPScandal for more stories.
🗣️ Read more about the IPP campaign: UNGRIPP | www.ungripp.com | @UNGRIPP | IPP Committee In Action @ActionIpp | injustice_of_ipp
✔️ Like, follow and share this podcast to get people listening: knowledge is power and the more who know, the harder it is for injustice to take place.
✍️ Write to your MP and ask them to raise questions about IPPs in Parliament
⬇️ Download the Trapped series episode transcripts here: https://drive.google.com
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