The case of Ronnie Biggs' compassionate release highlights the plight of older people in prison. 
 
On 31 March 2009 there were 7,358 prisoners aged over 50 in England and Wales, including 518 over 70. Despite people aged 60 and over being the fastest growing age group in the prison estate, there is no national strategy for the care and management of older prisoners.       
 
Reports by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons have found that 'older prisoners were more likely to have physical disabilities, and to require specialist provision, in a system and regimes that are largely designed around the young'. The Inspectorate also emphasises that 'the issues older prisoners pose are likely to become more acute, as an increasing number of long-sentenced prisoners grow old and frail in prison.'

Download the two Inspectorate reports here: No problems - old and quiet (2004) Older prisoners - a follow up (2008)

Prison Reform Trust is undertaking a programme of work to look at the experiences and needs of older people in prison. This programme includes a best practice scoping study which will explore work carried out in a number of different fields including: staff training; health and social care assessments; work, education and activities; and preparation for release.
 
Throughout the programme research findings and recommendations will be disseminated. We will also be working directly with staff and prisoners at putting recommendations into practice.                                            
 
Prison Reform Trust is also represented on the Older Prisoners Action Group convened by the Deparment of Health. The aims of the group are to address the specific health and social care service inequalities for elderly offenders and to reduce reoffending by older prisoners through improved care services. 

Commenting on the individual case of Ronnie Biggs, Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: 

Prison comes as a harsh double punishment for people who are frail, elderly or disabled. 

Instead of standing back and watching Ronnie Biggs die a bleak death in jail, the Justice Secretary could take this opportunity to show compassion and also to review the care and management of other old prisoners suffering in similar circumstances.

Read Prison Reform Trust's coverage of this case in the media here: 

the Guardian        

Daily Express  

PRT also contributed on an in depth piece in the BBC website magazine on the grounds for compassionate leave from prison. The article addresses questions such as how ill must a prisoner be to be released and how often this actually happens. Read more here: BBC