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    Peers call for tougher prisoner screening

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    8th July 2010

    The opportunity to "revise, review, and preferably improve" the method of screening prisoners before release has been discussed in the Lords.

    The subject was raised following the Northumberland shooting spree this week where the suspect Raoul Moat was let out of Durham prison without proper screening.

    During oral questions on Wednesday, Labour former attorney general Baroness Scotland of Asthal asked steps were taken by Northumbria Police when the recent warning from HM Prison Durham was received and whether a multi-agency risk assessment conference had been called.

    Lady Scotland told peers: "These events demonstrate very clearly the need for a risk assessment in such circumstances.

    "Can you tell us what steps will be put in place to make sure multi-agency risk assessments are made?"

    Security minister Baroness Neville-Jones said police did not conduct "a multi-agency risk assessment conference" after they were informed by Durham prison that Moat had threatened to cause serious harm to his girlfriend, Samantha Stobbart.

    Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington, a former chief constable of the force was quick to point out the need for support of Northumberland Police in "a most dangerous and difficult situation."

    The crossbench peer said: "This is not a time for apportioning blame in any way, shape or form.

    "Would she also not agree that this will be fully investigated by an independent authority?

    "Let us support the police in their difficult task"

    Crossbencher Lord Elystan-Morgan, a former judge said: "The threat to kill is a very serious offence that is punishable by 10 years' imprisonment?

    "Was any thought given to arresting this man before he left prison and with a view to prosecution, thus avoiding the possibility of further offences?"

    Security minister Baroness Neville-Jones said is "absolutely right" to say that such a threat would be very serious.

    She added: "My understanding is that the police force was not informed that there was such a threat to life."

    Tory peer Lord Elton called on the minister to use the opportunity to "revise, review, and preferably improve the method of screening prisoners" before they are released in order to protect the public.

    The security minister explained the IPCC (Independent Police Complaints Commission) would be following the investigation trail.

    She added: "I think that we will get help in the form of its view about what happened immediately before the release."

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