December 17, 2005: Probation Union Calls for Inquiry

Harry Fletcher of Probation Union Napo, responding to the conviction of two defendants for the murder of banker John Monckton, said today:

“This was an extremely serious and violent offence. There must be an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this murder, including the reasons for parole decisions and all supervision plans. Any findings that would suggest a need for improved procedures, should be acted upon without delay to minimise the possibility of any further tragedies occurring and to maximise public protection.”

“The Probation Service is increasingly supervising offenders on license who have been convicted of serious offences and where public protection is clearly an issue. Last year 1,478 licensees came under the supervision of the Probation Service, where the risk to the public was considered very high; and a further 11,280, where the risk of harm was described as high. In all, 1,374 of this caseload were recalled to custody, and 79 (or 0.6%) of the total were charged with a further serious offence. It is essential that the Probation Service has sufficient trained and experienced staff to carry out its public protection duties efficiently and effectively.”

Damien Hanson, one of the murderers, was released from prison 3 months prior to Mr Monckton's murder in November 2004. He had served 7 years of a 12-year prison sentence, imposed for attempted murder. He was dealt with by the probation service alone rather than the MAPPA multi-agency approach which is typically used to work with the most serious offenders.