Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 January 2010.

Crime: Compensation

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will seek to recover the £12,500 offered to Simon Granhof by the UK Border Agency for his two weeks' detention prior to removal from Northern Ireland to Denmark after his prison term ended, in order to meet the costs of any criminal injuries compensation paid to his victim and prison and court costs.

Answer: In July 2009 the Government announced plans to bring in new powers to enable the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) to pursue offenders to recover funds in certain circumstances. Regulations to implement the compensation recovery powers under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 will be prepared. The powers under the 2004 Act extend to all convicted offenders (not only prisoners) and would enable recovery of compensation from convicted offenders where their victim has received compensation from the criminal injuries compensation scheme. The UK Border Agency has reached an out of court settlement with Mr Granhof. It would be inappropriate to comment further.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 697; 716 c15WA
Session: 2009-10
Subjects: Compensation Detainees Crimes of violence Criminal injuries compensation Offenders Northern Ireland Repayments Denmark UK Border Agency Granhof, Simon
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk