My Prison Licence has been Recalled. What if I am unhappy with the Parole decision?

The Parole Board should give reasons for its decision. If you are unhappy with the decision you can ask that the Parole Board to reconsider your case either on the papers again or at an oral hearing. The Parole Board will not allow an oral hearing in every case. If you want an oral hearing you should therefore set out the reasons why this is necessary. For example it may be that you dispute the facts that have been asserted by the Probation Service in the document recommending your recall and think you should have an opportunity to question the probation officer.

If the Board agrees to an oral hearing it will be held at the prison in which you are located. You are entitled to legal representation at the hearing. The Parole Board will apply the same test for release as when it considers cases on the papers, and its decision will be one of the four options set out above.

What if the Board refuses to release me?

If the Parole Board refuses to grant you an oral hearing, or refuses your release after holding one, the only way the decision can be challenged further is by way of judicial review proceedings in the Administrative Court. This is a complicated procedure and you should seek legal advice. One of our expert solicitors would be delighted to hear from you.