A watchdog has stated that the type of sentence a prisoner was serving might have played a role in his decision to take his own life. The prisoner, John Winchcole, received an indeterminate sentence for public protection (IPP) in 2008. The controversial IPP sentences were introduced in 2005 for 'dangerous' and persistent criminals. Although abolished in 2012, they have left a legacy of prisoners who can be recalled to jail even after staying out of trouble for years. Mr Winchcole, who had been released on licence, was recalled in April 2018 and found unresponsive in his cell in September 2018.
The type of sentence a prisoner was serving 'may have played some part' in his decision to take his own life, a watchdog has said after an investigation. John Winchcole - who the watchdog's report said 'did not have any idea how long he might remain in prison' - received an indeterminate sentence for public protection ( IPP ) in 2008. The controversial sentences were introduced in 2005, intended for criminals considered 'dangerous' and persistent, but whose offences did not merit a life sentence.
They were abolished in 2012 but have left a legacy of prisoners who, even when they have stayed out of trouble for years, can be recalled to jail. READ MORE: 'I've been trapped upstairs in my house for five years' Mr Winchcole had been released from prison on licence but was recalled in April 2018 and returned to HMP Forest Bank in Pendlebury, Salford, after being suspected of committing further offences. The 36-year-old was found unresponsive in his cell as an officer unlocked his door on September 10, 201
Prisoner Sentence Suicide Watchdog Investigation Indeterminate Sentence Public Protection IPP Dangerous Criminals Recall Jail