Leeds criminal justice inquiry calls for victims and ex-offenders to be treated with greater dignity

An in-depth report into the justice system in Leeds is calling for convicted criminals and victims to be treated with greater dignity.

The Caritas Leeds Criminal Justice Inquiry’s Report was published this week after being commissioned by the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock.

The report, which took two years to complete, consulted victims of crime and ex-offenders to seek answers an a wide-range of issues including the role of prison in the 21st century.

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The report originally began as an initiative to inform Catholics across the Diocese of Leeds about contemporary criminal justice and those affected by it.

The Caritas Leeds Criminal Justice Inquiry’s Report was commissioned by the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock.The Caritas Leeds Criminal Justice Inquiry’s Report was commissioned by the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock.
The Caritas Leeds Criminal Justice Inquiry’s Report was commissioned by the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock.

It was approached from the standpoint of the Christian principles of justice and mercy, with the hope of stimulating action both locally and beyond considerations of faith.

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Judges, journalists and local charities also gave their perspective on the causes and effects of crime in the region.

Addiction and mental health problems in offenders were frequently mentioned as issues the system struggles to deal with effectively.

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Prisoners themselves cite addiction as the most important factor in re-offending.

The report recommends supporting reforms which build a criminal justice system that delivers both justice and mercy.

These include making the caring of victims, prisoners and ex-offenders a higher priority for politicians.

The report also calls for improved quality and access to mental health services for prisoners.

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Commissioners met regularly and carried out visits, one-to-one meetings and round table discussions with different stake holders within the criminal justice system.

Discussions also took place with senior people within the media and safeguarding.

Some Commissioners spent a day in Leeds Crown Court, which is the third largest in the country.

Meetings took place with academics from the field of criminology, a forensic psychologist and the advisor on victims within the office of the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

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The Diocese of Leeds covers many areas with the greatest economic deprivation, high crime rates and prisons like HMP Leeds, the high-security HMP Wakefield, as well as the women’s facility at New Hall and Wetherby Young Offenders’ Institution.

Caritas Leeds is the umbrella organisation for charities and social action within the Diocese of Leeds.