Board warns of parole hearing delays

PRISONERS applying for early release could end up finishing their sentences before the Parole Board rules on their application because of delays in processing their cases.

The Board warned yesterday of hold-ups in getting psychological and psychiatric assessments, probation and welfare reports and other information needed to properly review cases.

It said a “significant number” of reviews had to be delayed because reports were not available, and put the blame for the problem on overstretched, under-resourced support services.