By Hunger strike continues at HMP Doncaster
Following our latest report, a man incarcerated at HMP Doncaster continues his hunger strike in protest against what he feels is a “death sentence.”
Together, Alan Tams, Thomas Reay and Shaun Ovington were complicit in a series of armed robberies at bookmakers in the north east of England.
Thomas Reay, 39, was charged with conspiracy to rob. He pleaded not guilty, but was found to be guilty and sentenced to an indeterminate sentence for the protection of the public under IPP legislation after being deemed a danger to the public.
He was subsequently ordered to serve a minimum of six years. Thus far, he has been in custody for 11 years.
IPP legislation means that prisoners may remain locked up indefinitely until they are no longer deemed a risk.
His associates Tams and Ovington both pleaded guilty. They were sentenced to 7 years, and were both released in 2011.
Shortly after sentencing, Detective Sargent Neil Whitehead, who led the investigation, said:
“This trio caused a lot of fear during the robberies and it was down to the commitment and dedication of the officers involved that they have been brought to justice for their crimes.
The three were arrested on January 12 following the robbery at Ladbrokes at Kirkwood Drive in Kenton, and from there we looked back at the similarities with the other robberies.
We set about using a number of different techniques, including the use of forensics, which determined they were responsible.”
Thomas Reay is still incarcerated at HMP Doncaster, and has begun a hunger strike which has now lasted almost a month. His family and friends are petitioning for his release.
Speaking to Gi Media, Reay said:
“I’ve been on hunger strike for 28 days.
I have lost over 2 and a half stone and Doncaster prison just don’t seem to care.
This is my side of the story: I was given an IPP sentence, I’ve since served that sentence and much more. I’ve completed my offending behaviour work and lowered my scores to get out.
Yes, I’ve used mobile phones, but it’s the only way I can keep in contact with my family, and that’s all that’s keeping me going.
My girlfriend Rebecca has stayed by my side in the hope that I can come home and we can live our lives together.
My sister and niece are fighting thick and thin to get me out of prison, and my parents live in hope of seeing me before they die.
I believe that either this prison sentence or this hunger strike will kill me.
All I want is a fair chance to get out and live crime free.”
A public petition has been launched by Reay’s family calling for his release. He has now been on hunger strike for 28 days.
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