Government restraint plans return to a deadly time for children in prison

Commenting on the publication of the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill today (5 February), and the proposals to allow children to be restrained for ‘good order and discipline’, Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said:

“The scandalous proposal to allow prison officers to restrain children violently, simply if they don’t follow orders, turns back the clock to a deadly time for children in prison. Court rulings have made clear that restraining a child for ‘good order and discipline’ is illegal and inquests into the deaths of children have shown that such violent practices contributed to their deaths. We trust that such a dangerous proposal will be challenged in parliament and, if need be, in the courts.”

Notes to editors

1. The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the world. It is a national charity working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
2. The Criminal Justice and Courts Bill can be read online here.
3. An inquest jury ruled that an unlawful use of force contributed to the decision of 14-year-old Adam Rickwood to take his own life at Hassockfield Secure Training Centre in County Durham in August 2004.

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