POLICE chief David Keane has expressed “serious concern” over the government’s decision to authorise HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington to accept prisoners convicted of sexual offences.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire is calling for the minister responsible for the decision, Rory Stewart MP (Minister of State for Justice), to come to Warrington to address local residents and community representatives directly, prior to any implementation of the scheme.
Mr Kean said: “I was made aware of the government’s decision to authorise HMP Thorn Cross to accept category D men convicted of sexual offences by the end of the year yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon via a verbal update from the prison.
“I subsequently received a letter from Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to inform me of this change.
“I haven’t been consulted regarding this decision; a decision which will have obvious implications for the local community. I have written to the government requesting an urgent meeting to discuss why this prison has been chosen, especially considering its proximity to local housing and with it being situated directly opposite a primary school.
“As the elected representative for the people of Cheshire for criminal justice, this decision causes me serious concern, and I have requested that the Minister responsible comes to Warrington to address local residents and community representatives directly, prior to any further implementation of this decision.”
The decision has sparked outrage in the local community and with local councillors, in particular the lack of consultation.
MP deeply concerned over decision to place sex offenders at Appleton Thorn open prison
