Parents heartache as killer of Joseph Brown-Lartey moved to open prison

Joseph’s mum Dawn, Grandma Eileen, dad Ian, Joseph and sister Rhodaline

The family of Joseph Brown-Lartey, who was killed by a dangerous driver, are furious after hearing their son’s killer has been moved to an open prison, despite serving just two years of a six year sentence.

Joseph, 25, died instantly in November 2014 when a car sped through a red light at 80mph in a 30 zone (the junction of Bury Road and Sandy Lane, Rochdale), smashing into Joseph’s Audi and splitting it in two.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/92400/man-dies-in-horrific-early-morning-car-crash

There was a public outcry when the driver, 19-year-old Addil Haroon, was given just a six-year sentence for causing death by dangerous driving, as well a number of other motoring offences.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/96042/addil-haroon-unduly-lenient-sentence-to-be-reviewed-by-attorney-general

Joseph’s parents, Ian and Dawn, have been campaigning for stiffer sentences for those who kill on the roads and are waiting for the results of a Government consultation after the Ministry of Justice announced it was looking at bringing in a life sentence for killer drivers.

They have since received a letter from the probation service to say Haroon will soon be allowed supervised, followed by unsupervised visits off site.

Reacting to the news Joseph’s mum, Dawn, said: “The shock of that letter again just leaves you in total disbelief at the justice system. He will have served just over two years in a young offenders institution and you just can not get your head around it. No-one said he was a dangerous criminal but he did kill our son and needs to serve his sentence – no less.

Joseph’s dad, Ian, added: “It is just like being kicked twice. It is like the victims don’t matter. It was a shock to hear in court that he would serve half of his six year sentence but now to be told by our victim liaison officer that he will be soon let out on supervised, followed by unsupervised visits, is just a massive kick in the teeth, it hurts. We are victims and we keep being victims over and over again.”

The Justice for Joseph Campaign is being backed by Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106576/liz-mcinnes-urges-government-to-review-dangerous-driving-sentences

Responding to the news she said: “This is really disappointing news and my sympathies go out to Ian and Dawn. If anything it highlights why the Government needs to announce the results of the consultation and actually hand out punishments that fit the crime.”

The Ministry of Justice says it doesn’t comment on individual cases but did issue a statement.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "This is a tragic case and our thoughts are with the victim's family.

“All offenders must meet strict criteria and pass a full risk assessment before being considered for open prison. The independent Parole Board will take into consideration a number of factors before recommending a prisoner’s move to open conditions and this will only take place if it is safe to do so.

“If a prisoner gives cause for concern they can be returned to closed conditions immediately.”