Murderers and rapists demand benefits
November 25, 2009
Although the law presently states that British prisoners cannot be given state benefits a number of sex offenders, rapists and murderers are now claiming that by not receiving benefits their human rights are being violated. Twelve criminals currently being held on psychiatric wards are contesting the fact that they do not receive income support or pension credits. Barrister Richard Gordon QC who is representing the twelve convicted criminals says that people who are sectioned under the mental health act are entitled to receive state benefits. He says that his clients are being denied this right and as such are being discriminated against which is in contradiction of Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
If the twelve criminals are successful in their argument it could mean that the British tax payer will have to contribute around £3 million each year in benefits payouts to criminals who have been transferred to psychiatric wards. Both Peter Sutcliffe and Ian Brady currently reside on psychiatric wards.
Chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, Matthew Elliot points out that the receipt of benefits is not a human right but rather a privilege. He says that when criminals behave illegally then they give up any right to that privilege.
The office of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has said that those who are found guilty of committing a crime in the British courts should be treated in exactly the same way as other criminals in terms of benefits wherever they end up being detained.
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