Case examples
Cases we've helped with
Every case is different, but these examples give a sense of the kind of problems we take on and how we've resolved them.
Recategorisation: category C to D
- The problem
- A prisoner was refused a reduction from category C to category D, blocking his transfer to open conditions, because he hadn't yet reached his Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) date.
- What we did
- We challenged the decision using the correct prison law PSI, setting out why it had been wrongly applied.
- The outcome
- The decision was overturned and he was transferred to open conditions, giving him access to work opportunities and home visits.
Adjudication: Prison Rule 51 charge dismissed
- The problem
- A prisoner was facing a disciplinary charge under Prison Rule 51.
- What we did
- We submitted written representations highlighting procedural failures under the Prisoner Discipline Procedures (Adjudications) Policy Framework.
- The outcome
- The charge was dismissed, because the correct formal process hadn't been followed.
Home Detention Curfew: early release secured (pre-2026 regime)
- The problem
- A prisoner was classed as presumed unsuitable for Home Detention Curfew (HDC) based on the circumstances and nature of the offence, despite not being automatically ineligible.
- What we did
- We prepared written representations arguing for discretionary consideration.
- The outcome
- Early release was granted on HDC for the permitted statutory period.
- Note
- HDC stopped being routinely available to adult prisoners from 2 September 2026, following the Sentencing Act 2026 and the Progression Model that replaced it. We've included this case to show the kind of representations we make, not as a route still available today. See our guide to what applies now.
Sentence plan: unlocking progression
- The problem
- Inadequate or neglected sentence planning was blocking progress towards parole, category D, and resettlement.
- What we did
- We addressed the sentence plan objectives that had been neglected or wrongly applied.
- The outcome
- Sentence planning was improved, leading to a category D transfer and a move to open conditions.
Other legal matters
- The problem
- Prisoners and families sometimes need help with matters connected to, but outside, prison law directly.
- What we did
- Through our network, we've supported clients with confiscation orders, outstanding charges, and family matters such as divorce or child custody proceedings arising during a sentence.
These examples are based on cases we've handled. Every case turns on its own facts, and past outcomes don't guarantee a particular result in a new case, but they show the kind of problems we're used to dealing with.