Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on publicdefenderservice.org.uk. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

Parole Hearings to be made more open

Published:

Last year, Parole Board rules were amended allowing public parole hearings but only where it is in the interest of justice.

The new rules allow victims, the media and more widely, members of the public to attend, observe and better understand the parole process.

An application process now exists where interested parties can formally apply for a parole hearing to be conducted in public.

Additional information on the application process can be found here:

Applying for a Parole review to be public – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The new rules, designed to promote greater transparency, are an attempt to restore public confidence in the parole system by putting victims at the heart of the process.

The first public parole hearing in UK history took place on 12/12/22.

Convicted murderer, Russell Causley, who killed his wife, Carol Packman, in 1985 was the first prisoner to have a public parole hearing under the new rules, which came into force on 21/07/22.

Having applied and registered in advance, members of the public and journalists were allowed to observe Mr. Causley’s parole hearing via video link, which took place at HMP, Lewes.

A decision on whether or not Mr. Causley’s parole application will be approved is to be announced imminently.

For further details:

First public parole hearing following government reforms – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Murderer Russell Causley to face UK’s first public parole hearing (telegraph.co.uk)

Amendments to Parole Board rules – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)