يحاول ذهب - حر

Man jailed for two years 'has spent half life in prison*

November 12, 2024

|

The Independent

A prisoner has spent more than half of his life in jail for starting a fire in the attic of an empty building aged 17 under an abolished indefinite jail term.

- AMY-CLARE MARTIN

Man jailed for two years 'has spent half life in prison*

Liam Bennett, now 36, told The Independent “I deserve my chance” at freedom, adding that he still dreams of a normal life as he languishes without a release date.

He was handed a controversial imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence in 2006 following the blaze, which caused £3,000 of damage but left no one hurt.

He was told he must serve a minimum of two years and 82 days for arson but is still trapped almost two decades later until a parole board deems him safe for release.

Speaking out as politicians prepare to debate whether more than 2,600 prisoners should be resentenced, Mr Bennett insisted: “I have changed so much in 18 years, I have learnt so much, I’m confident I will take my chance with release and run with it.”

Inside HMP Ranby, Nottinghamshire, his weight has plummeted to 9 stone despite being 6ft 3in. He has sometimes turned to drugs to cope with the possibility of never being released – especially following a recent parole knockback.

He said he is faced with daily instances of violence, widespread drug use and fights on his wing at the category C men’s prison.

image“I have been in prison now for nearly 18 years off a two-year tariff, I deserve my chance of release,” he said. “How can it be fair to not have a release date?”

المزيد من القصص من The Independent

The Independent

The Independent

How circus around Isak left Sweden in World Cup bind

For the first time in the history of the men's national team, Sweden have sacked their manager. There have been departures after tournaments and contracts left unrenewed after a disappointing season.

time to read

5 mins

October 15, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Can anyone help me apply for a German passport?

Ask Simon Calder

time to read

1 mins

October 15, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Zelensky wants what Trump gave Israel - more weapons

The worldwide delusion that Donald Trump’s bizarre approach to diplomacy has delivered a ceasefire - or even “peace” - in Gaza is being enthusiastically embraced by Ukraine’s president as he prepares for a White House meeting this week.

time to read

3 mins

October 15, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

A passport to the Land of Nod doesn't come cheap

As a devoted eye mask and earplug user, Olivia Petter asks whether the craze for sleep paraphernalia has got out of hand

time to read

4 mins

October 15, 2025

The Independent

Inflation warning deals ‘grim’ Budget blow to Reeves

Chancellor faces 'desperate' situation as IMF cuts UK growth forecast for 2026 and predicts highest cost rises in entire G7 as cabinet weighs tax rises to plug black hole of up to £40bn

time to read

1 min

October 15, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

I can be a good person... I'm just wired differently'

Lukas Gage speaks to Adam White about internet villainy, coming out as gay, and starring in 'The White Lotus'

time to read

6 mins

October 15, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Sorry, Mr Trump, but that's not what I call a peace deal

It is an agreement to end the Gaza war, return the hostages (living and dead), release Palestinian prisoners, and for Israel's phased withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

time to read

4 mins

October 15, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Jurassic dinosaur footprints found in Oxfordshire quarry

The most extensive dinosaur trackways ever discovered in Europe have been uncovered at an Oxfordshire quarry, and delighted palaeontologists have now gained new insights into how the animals moved through the landscape.

time to read

3 mins

October 15, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

High-five as England win to qualify for World Cup

So, England become the first European side to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but the real wonder is whether that actually says anything more about their capability of finishing first next summer.

time to read

4 mins

October 15, 2025

The Independent

The Independent

Is there a solution to the rising costs of groceries?

We don’t yet know if this Christmas will be a white one, but we may be certain it will be expensive.

time to read

3 mins

October 15, 2025

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size