Doncaster prisoner protesting at sentence remains on hunger strike after 16 days

Thomas Reay, aged 39 and originally from Newcastle, is behind bars at HMP Doncaster over a spate of armed robberies at bookmakers in the north east.

He was part of a gang which got away with thousands of pounds after threatening staff with a range of weapons in a number of raids.

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Reay was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence for public protection (IPP) after being deemed a danger to the public and ordered to serve a minimum of six years but he has served 11 so far.

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IPP legislation means that prisoners remain locked up indefinitely until they are no longer deemed a risk.

A petition has been launched calling for Reay’s release and the inmate has also gone on hunger strike to highlight his case.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been written to and Reay is urging supporters to take part in a protest outside HMP Doncaster once arrangements are finalised.

A Facebook page has been set up providing daily updates on Reay’s hunger strike, which appear to have been written by the prisoner himself.

In one of his latest posts he said: “I’m still sat here losing so much weight per day, nobody seems to care.

“I guess it’s true, IPP prisoners are just another number.

“I don’t care, I’m still not stopping.”

Serco, which operates HMP Doncaster, said Reay is being seen daily by medical staff.