Rikki Garg, consultant specialising in prison law, criminal appeals and mental health law, spoke at the Crime in Mind seminar at an event in the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Keith Bradley considering the importance of research into Forensic psychiatry and what the research priorities should be along the pathway through the Criminal Justice system.

Lord Bradley is a member of the joint committee on the draft mental health bill. He spoke about the need for early intervention and triage before a person finds themselves within the criminal justice system and how to make sure the right information is shared.

Rikki spoke about the importance of sharing information at every stage of the process so that the initial assessments are carried through. Too often, in criminal appeal and parole cases early assessments and recommendations are hard to trace, causing delay in the process. When there is a dispute is based on the competing views of the experts, access to original opinions is crucial. Ensuring we have all relevant information will only improve outcomes for those affected and for society as a whole.

Prof Gunn explained how the charity will be developed to look at various themes can be developed to discovering how to reduce the likelihood of violence in society.

Prof Forrester spoke as to an expert setting out the consensus as to mental health research priorities.

Dr Alexis Theodorou presented a systemic literature review on multiple homicides followed by suicide.

Should you require assistance with a prison law, criminal appeal or mental health law matter please make a confidential enquiry here.