The Audio Long Read Best of 2024: As a teenager, John was jailed for assaulting someone and stealing their bike. That was 17 years ago – will he ever be released?
Dec 23, 2024
In this conversation, journalist Sophie Atkinson, an author for The Guardian, dives into John Wright's harrowing journey. She reveals the controversial Indeterminate Public Protection (IPP) sentences in the UK and their devastating effects on mental health. John's struggles with identity and rehabilitation highlight the complexities faced by youthful offenders. As he battles schizophrenia during his prolonged incarceration, the emotional toll on him and his family becomes evident, illuminating the dire need for systemic reform in the justice system.
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John Wright's IPP Sentence
- John Wright, 17, received an IPP sentence for assault and bike theft.
- His family thought the minimum tariff was the maximum sentence.
Origins and Misapplication of IPP Sentences
- IPP sentences, introduced in 2003, aimed to indefinitely detain offenders deemed dangerous.
- These were intended for a few hundred extreme cases but applied to over 6000 people.
Misunderstanding of IPP Sentences
- The broad definition of "robbery" allowed IPP sentences for minor crimes.
- Neither John nor his family fully understood the implications of his IPP sentence.