Chris Seeks To Clarify How Adults On Remand Are Housed Appropriately
Christopher Chope Conservative, Christchurch
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when he will implement the order of a judge at Winchester Crown Court that Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai be removed from a young offenders' institution as he is an adult; and what processes his Department has in place to assess whether those awaiting trial on remand are adults accommodated in the Youth estate and under-18 young offender institutions.
Damian Hinds The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice
Following the determination by Mrs Justice Cutts on 25 October 2022 that he is 21 years old, Lawangeen Abdulrahimzai was placed in Feltham B Young Offender Institution, which accommodates 18- 21-year-olds. He has now transferred to another site within the adult prison estate.
If there is reason to suspect that someone presenting at court as a child is 18 years old or over, an age assessment will be carried out by the local authority. If it confirms that the person is aged 18 or over, the court warrant will be amended accordingly. If an appeal is lodged, the young person will remain in the current placement with measures in place to safeguard the young person and others. While checks are being carried out, a contingency plan will be made to transfer them to the adult estate, should that prove necessary.
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