We represented a high-profile client who committed a serious offence several years ago. This was their first offence, and first involvement with mental health services.
Early detention and treatment
Our client received anti-psychotic medication and intensive psychological input before transferring to a medium secure setting.
After three years of detention, our client’s case was referred to the First-tier Tribunal for a review of their detention, under Section 71(2) of the Mental Health Act. The clinical team contacted us to assist our client, aware of our work supporting other vulnerable patients on the ward.
Uncontested Tribunal reference hearing
Despite having secured accommodation in the community, the clinical team did not support discharge as overnight leave had not commenced. The team also noted our client had not been tested for risk in a community setting. Ever compliant, our client decided not to contest the Section at the hearing, and was not discharged in November 2024.
Strategic preparation for second Tribunal
Once overnight leave had commenced, our client instructed us to submit an application to the Tribunal. We had meetings every fortnight leading up to the Tribunal hearing, to discuss all reports. These meetings also helped reduce our client’s anxieties surrounding the hearing.
Our client was unable to discuss the index offence and feared the Tribunal panel would interrogate them about it. As such, we drafted a statement outlining our client’s thoughts and feelings on the index offence. We submitted a copy to all the parties involved in the proceedings. The Tribunal panel accepted the statement as evidence and chose not to question our client further.
The Tribunal conditionally discharged our client, who has since settled well into the community.
Our client was represented by Azrina Bhunnoo, Mental Health Solicitor.
