CPT alerted to Manx Police detention concern

The Celtic League have written to the Council of Europe ‘watchdog’ on Police and Prison services making it aware of a recent case in the Isle of Man which raised concerns about the circumstances of the detention at CPHQ of a person with ‘complex mental health problems’.

“Hugh Chetwynd
Head of Division
CPT
Council of Europe
Strasbourg-Cedex
France

23rd January 2019

Police detention Isle of Man Court criticism

I draw your attention to the news report (link below) in which there was criticism in the Isle of Man Courts of the detention of a person with complex mental health problems and how they were dealt with (report link):

https://www.three.fm/…/police-criticised-after-charging-ma…/

The issue has also been raised in the Tynwald (Manx Parliament) in an exchange between a member of the unelected upper chamber Legislative Council and a member of the Department of Home Affairs which is responsible for the Police and Prison service (video link):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8Nbm-xgYuc&feature=youtu.be

I am aware that the CPT in its report after the 2003 visit to the Isle of Man made recommendations on custody and medical provision. I am also aware that the CPT ‘Standards’ say:

‘Persons in custody should be allowed to comply with the needs of nature when necessary in clean and decent conditions, and be offered adequate washing facilities’

The IOM Police and Prison Services are subject to ‘independent monitoring’ so it is a concern that issues about the basic treatment and needs of vulnerable prisoners with ‘complex mental health problems’ have to become public via intervention of first the Courts than the Tynwald.

I would hope that on its next periodic visit to the Isle of Man the CPT will address these areas.

Yours sincerely

Bernard Moffatt

Assistant General Secretary
Celtic League”

Periodic visits to the Isle of Man by the CPT have taken place since the early 1990s when the Celtic League first raised concerns about the detention in prison of a twelve year old call.

The Celtic League which is a United Nations accredited Non Governmental Organisation has given both written and oral evidence to the CPT.

Recommendations from the CPT are usually actioned by the Manx authorities.

Bernard Moffatt

Celtic League