Deterioration and the long term prisoner: a descriptive analysis of Myra Hindley

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore supposed inevitable personal decline for long-term prisoners, particularly those serving a sentence of life without parole.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the prison records of a life without parole sentenced prisoner.

Findings

Findings suggest that prisoner deterioration is not inevitable in a whole life prison sentence.

Research limitations/implications

Findings are based on one account, of a female prisoner.

Practical implications

Distinct services and support are required for those with a natural life prison sentence.

Originality/value

To date, there is limited research of prisoners serving life without parole, particularly the mental health implications of denying a prisoner future parole.

Citation

Pettigrew, M. (2016), "Deterioration and the long term prisoner: a descriptive analysis of Myra Hindley", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 115-126. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-10-2015-0036