How to get a criminal record without even realising | Tristan Kirk and Dr Jo Easton

The Secret Life of Prisons podcast

The Secret Life of Prisons is produced by a charity, the Prison Radio Association. To make a donation please visit prison.radio/donate.

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The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 introduced a fast-track process for delivering justice that deal with the most minor summary offences. It's called the Single Justice Prodcedure, and at the time it was said to be simply a modification of existing legal processes.

A defendant is sent a notice through the post which states that if you don't respond with a guilty or not guilty plea within 21 days, the case will be dealt with in your absence and you could receive a criminal record.

The journalist Tristan Kirk from the London Evening Standard has uncovered a series of apparent injustices connected to the Single Justice Procedure, and he joins us today to tell us the stories of vulnerable people who have received criminal convictions despite having clear mitigation.

Alongside him is Dr Jo Easton is Interim CEO and Head of Policy at Unlock, which is a charity that supports people with criminal records. She previously worked at the Magistrates Association. She explains why the principle of justice without transparency can be so damaging.

Presenters: Phil Maguire – Chief Executive, Prison Radio Association Paula Harriott – Head of Prisoner Engagement, Prison Reform Trust

Producer: Andrew Wilkie

You can apply to see your criminal record through a Subject Access Request to the Criminal Records Office:https://acro.police.uk/s/acro-services/subject-access

Get more details about the work of Unlock: https://unlock.org.uk

The Prison Radio Association runs National Prison Radio, the world’s first national radio station for people serving prison sentences. We employ people in prison to develop their skills, find their best voices and help them find ways to lead crime-free lives after release.

Registered Charity in England & Wales 1114760