‘It’s a death sentence’: Doncaster prisoner on hunger strike after being locked up indefinitely

Thomas Reay, aged 39, is behind bars at HMP Doncaster after being handed an indeterminate sentence for public protection (IPP), meaning he could be locked up for life.

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The judge who sentenced him in 2009 ordered Reay to serve a minimum of six years behind bars before he could be considered for parole, but IPP legislation allows prisoners to remain locked up indefinitely if they are still considered a danger to others.

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Reay has served 11 years so far and a petition has now been launched calling for his freedom.

A Facebook page has also been set up providing daily updates, which appear to have been written by Reay himself.

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To draw attention to his case and in protest at the length of time he has been locked up, Reay has been on hunger strike for over a week.

Reay, from Newcastle, was part of an armed gang which targeted bookmakers in the north east.

They used weapons including a knife, hammer and crowbar in a series of terrifying raids in which thousands of pounds was stolen from tills and gaming machines.

Reay, who had previous convictions for robbery and wounding with intent, was on licence after being released mid-way through a nine-year prison sentence when he committed the raids for which he is now locked up.

In a statement he said: “I am currently on a hunger strike. I started this on Sunday, February 23 at HMP Doncaster and will stay on my hunger strike until there is a speck of light for my release.”

He described the length of time he has spent behind bars as ‘disgraceful’.

“The judge asked me to serve five years, not the rest of my life, which this seems to be. All I am wanting is a fair chance to come home to my family and live crime free.

“I’ve served more then twice my punishment by the judge. I believe this to be a death sentence not a punishment. The judge sentenced me to loss of liberty, not loss of dignity.”

Serco, which runs HMP Doncaster, has been approached for a statement.