A Bolton dad, facing an indefinite prison term, seeks intervention from the justice secretary as he remains on the run from authorities.
Bolton: A father named Matthew Booth is currently on the run after finding out he could be locked up indefinitely. He’s reaching out to the justice secretary for help.
At just 15, Matthew was given a long sentence for a crime he committed while trying to protect a friend. Now, at 33, he feels he’s served more than enough time.
He’s been recalled to prison because of claims he got back together with the mother of his two daughters, which he insists isn’t true. He’s really worried about being sent back without any real reason.
Matthew has even said he’d turn himself in if the justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, would support him. He just wants a chance to not go straight back to prison.
He’s been through a lot, missing his kids and feeling hopeless. He’s been recalled multiple times, often for things he didn’t even do. It’s really taking a toll on his mental health.
Matthew and Abigail Vernon, the mother of his kids, are getting support from a group that fights against these tough IPP sentences. They believe these sentences are unfair and have caused a lot of suffering.
Sadly, many people in similar situations have faced serious consequences, including suicide. Matthew just wants to be with his daughters and live a normal life.
He’s tired of feeling like he’s stuck in a cycle of being punished for things that aren’t true. All he wants is a chance to be a dad without the constant fear of going back to prison.
