A heartbreaking story of a mother’s anguish continues as her son, Luke Ings, remains trapped in prison despite being sentenced 18 years ago at the age of 17. Luke was given an indefinite imprisonment for a fight in McDonald’s and robbery, under the controversial imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence.
The IPP sentences were abolished in 2012 due to human rights concerns, but over 3,000 individuals, including Luke, are still serving time with no release date in sight. Luke’s mother, Samantha, expresses her despair over her son’s situation, emphasizing that he was just a teenager when he was sentenced and has now spent his entire adult life behind bars.
She highlights the alarming rates of suicide and self-harm among IPP prisoners, fearing for her son’s well-being. Despite the government’s efforts to release some prisoners early to ease overcrowding, those serving IPP sentences are not included in this initiative.
Samantha shares the toll that Luke’s imprisonment has taken on their family, especially on Luke’s younger sister who has grown up without her brother. She keeps his clothes at home, hoping for the day he can return.
The call to resentence all IPP prisoners has gained momentum, with support from various individuals and organizations. The UN special rapporteur on torture has deemed these sentences as inhuman, urging urgent action to address the issue.
Samantha recalls the disappointment of probation recommending Luke for release, only for the parole board to deny it. She pleads for her son to be given a chance to come home and rebuild his life.
While the Ministry of Justice acknowledges the need to support those serving IPP sentences, the plight of individuals like Luke continues to shed light on the flaws in the system. It is a story of injustice, despair, and the enduring hope for redemption and freedom.
