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27/02/2008
Blind Justice As Blunkett Heads TV Parole Board
The former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, will confront juvenile crime in a new TV series Channel Five is billing as a “bold social experiment”.
‘Banged Up’ will place the blind-since-birth former Labour Cabinet Member at the head of a prison Parole Board that mixes repeat offenders with young people who are at risk of lapsing into a criminal life.
Contributors will be filmed by independent producer Shine North, as they attempt to rehabilitate themselves, and will also feature testimonies from former criminals.
David Blunkett said: “With ever increasing prison numbers, with longer sentences and with a continuing disquiet about the 'revolving door' of re-offending, anything that can add to a range of measures for educating, and in creating a grasp of reality, is worth the experiment now being undertaken by Shine North in conjunction with Five."
Steve Gowans, Five's Head of Factual Entertainment and Multichannel Commissioner, added: "We're delighted to have David Blunkett's involvement and support."
He said that 'Banged Up' will air later this year and noted: "Mr Blunkett's experience and understanding in this area will be invaluable to a fascinating social experiment tackling an issue that couldn't be more relevant."
He said that he hopes the series will deal “head-on the sensitive issue of juvenile behaviour and rehabilitation.
(DS)(BMcC)
‘Banged Up’ will place the blind-since-birth former Labour Cabinet Member at the head of a prison Parole Board that mixes repeat offenders with young people who are at risk of lapsing into a criminal life.
Contributors will be filmed by independent producer Shine North, as they attempt to rehabilitate themselves, and will also feature testimonies from former criminals.
David Blunkett said: “With ever increasing prison numbers, with longer sentences and with a continuing disquiet about the 'revolving door' of re-offending, anything that can add to a range of measures for educating, and in creating a grasp of reality, is worth the experiment now being undertaken by Shine North in conjunction with Five."
Steve Gowans, Five's Head of Factual Entertainment and Multichannel Commissioner, added: "We're delighted to have David Blunkett's involvement and support."
He said that 'Banged Up' will air later this year and noted: "Mr Blunkett's experience and understanding in this area will be invaluable to a fascinating social experiment tackling an issue that couldn't be more relevant."
He said that he hopes the series will deal “head-on the sensitive issue of juvenile behaviour and rehabilitation.
(DS)(BMcC)
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11 April 2003
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School-leavers encouraged toward voluntary work
Young people from low-income backgrounds are to get extra support to become volunteers for a year after they finish school, college or training.
01 November 2005
Blunkett faces increasing pressure
David Blunkett is facing increasing pressure as new allegations that he breached the ministerial code of conduct emerged. On Tuesday, ‘The Times’ revealed that Mr Blunkett had failed to heed the advice of three separate letters, from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, regarding taking jobs while out of the Cabinet.
Blunkett faces increasing pressure
David Blunkett is facing increasing pressure as new allegations that he breached the ministerial code of conduct emerged. On Tuesday, ‘The Times’ revealed that Mr Blunkett had failed to heed the advice of three separate letters, from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments, regarding taking jobs while out of the Cabinet.
25 October 2004
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
17 August 2004
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
Eight men charged with terror offences
Eight men have been charged with terrorism-related offences, the BBC has reported today. All eight are expected to appear before Bow Street Magistrates Court tomorrow and will face charges including conspiracy to commit murder. A ninth man who was also being held has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
10 February 2004
Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
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