A pre-tariff review and transfer to an open prison was no longer a necessary step to a fair, just and proper determination by the discretionary life panel under s.28(6)(b) Crime (Sentencing) Act 1997 at the expiry of the tariff period of an automatic life sentence. However, detailed formulation of a policy in respect of short-term automatic life prisoners was urgently needed.

QBD (Admin) (Thomas J)

15/12/2000