Parent’s heartache as killer's moved to open prison
Justice for Joseph
The family of a young Rochdale man killed by a dangerous driver are furious after hearing their son’s killer has been moved to an open prison, despite serving just two years of a six year sentence.
Joseph Brown-Lartey, 25, died instantly in November 2014 when a car sped through a red light at 80mph in a 30 zone in Rochdale, smashing into Joseph’s Audi and splitting it in two. There was a public outcry when the driver, 19-year-old Addil Haroon, was given just a six year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving, as well a number of other motoring offences.
Joseph’s parents Ian and Dawn have been campaigning for stiffer sentences for those who kill on the roads and are waiting for the results of a Government consultation after the Ministry of Justice announced it was looking at bringing in a life sentence for killer drivers.
They have since received a letter from the probation service to say Haroon will soon be allowed supervised, followed by unsupervised visits off site.
The Justice for Joseph Campaign is being backed by Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes. Responding to the news she said:
“This is really disappointing news and my sympathies go out to Ian and Dawn. If anything it highlights why the Government needs to announce the results of the consultation and actually hand out punishments that fit the crime.”
The Ministry of Justice says it doesn’t comment on individual cases but did issue a statement.
A Prison Service spokesperson said:
"This is a tragic case and our thoughts are with the victim's family.
“All offenders must meet strict criteria and pass a full risk assessment before being considered for open prison. The independent Parole Board will take into consideration a number of factors before recommending a prisoner’s move to open conditions and this will only take place if it is safe to do so.
“If a prisoner gives cause for concern they can be returned to closed conditions immediately.”