The independent inquiry into the Isle of Man’s parole system is inviting evidence from members of the public.
Experienced former advocate Geoff Karran MBE TH is heading the inquiry, which will focus on the circumstances surrounding the release from prison of St John’s man Donovan Kitching.
Mr Kitching was convicted of causing the death by dangerous driving of Ms Gwen Valentine in 2014 and sentenced to 10 years and 72 days in custody. Mr Kitching had been released from prison on parole for a previous offence three weeks before the fatal incident near Tholt-y-Will.
In addition to investigating the specific details of Mr Kitching’s release, the inquiry will take a broader look at the parole system.
Mr Karran has determined to hold the inquiry in two parts. The first will deal with the practices and procedures of the Prison and Probation Service and the Parole Committee in relation to parole and the second with the circumstances whereby it was deemed appropriate to release Mr Kitching on parole.
The initial hearing will take place at 10am in the Lecture Theatre at 88 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, on Monday 26 October and will continue as necessary on the 27th and 28th. Details for the second part of the inquiry will be confirmed at a later date.
Mr Karran will prepare a report for the Department of Home Affairs, to which the Department will respond. The Department will take advice regarding any restriction to the release of the report under data protection statute, but intends to inform Tynwald of the report’s contents and the Department’s response within a reasonable timeframe following the conclusion of Mr Karran’s investigation.
The aim of parole is to provide prisoners with an incentive for rehabilitation through the prospect of early release. This plays an important role in maintaining discipline and safety in prison. Parole also helps prisoners to make a supervised transition back into society, which is designed to reduce the risk of reoffending and the associated social and economic impact of crime.
As a statutory body operating within the Isle of Man criminal justice system, the Parole Committee carries out risk assessments on prisoners to determine whether they can be safely released into the community.
The public inquiry, which was established by the Council of Ministers following approval by Tynwald in July, will consider any recommendations deemed necessary to maintain and enhance public confidence in the early release of prisoners on parole.
Mr Karran is inviting representations from members of the public ahead of holding the initial public sitting of the inquiry in October. Submissions should be made in writing to Mr G F Karran, Ballaleigh, Alexander Drive, Douglas, IM2 3QX by 25 September.
The move to establish the inquiry into the parole system was instigated by the Department of Home Affairs, which has political responsibility for the Prison and Probation Service.
Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The Department is taking a proactive approach in this matter and is happy to submit itself to scrutiny and to consider any recommendations for change arising from this inquiry. I have no reason to suspect, at this time, that the current procedures were not followed in relation to the release of Donovan Kitching. However, when such a tragedy occurs, in my view it is essential to carry out a detailed examination of the facts and to take any action necessary to protect the public. The Department is being as open and transparent as possible and Mr Karran’s investigation will discover any changes that may be required.’
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