Delay in sentencing 'vulnerable defendant' because he has no accommodation 

Court hears he was offered sleeping bag and tent

Further concerns have been raised about a lack of suitable accommodation for those leaving the Isle of Man Prison.

At Douglas Courthouse yesterday (17 September) the deputy high bailiff declined to sentence a 28-year-old defendant because he didn’t have an address to go to.

He’s currently being held on remand after committing six offences including burglary, possessing a prohibited article and causing damage to property.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood said she wanted to impose a probation order but wasn’t willing or able to do that if the defendant doesn’t have anywhere to live.

This, she said, would be ‘setting him up to fail’.

Describing the man as a ‘vulnerable person’ the deputy high bailiff said prison was ‘absolutely not the place’ for him adding she couldn’t ‘fathom how it is possible' that there is nowhere for him to go.

She also revealed that he'd been offered a sleeping bag and a tent as proposed accommodation describing the entire situation as ‘highly unsatisfactory’.  

Sentencing was delayed until next week whilst further investigations are made and she has asked for a probation officer to attend that sitting of the court to provide an update.

The defendant will next appear in court on 24 September.

Manx Radio has approached Manx Care, the Department of Home Affairs and the Housing and Communities Board for a response to the concerns highlighted in court.

We are awaiting a response.

In April this year a Manx advocate described a lack of bail accommodation on the Isle of Man as an 'extremely desperate situation'.

You can find out more here.

Update: 

The Department of Home Affairs responded to Manx Radio on 20 September.

It said: "While we can’t comment on individual cases the prison and probation team work hard to ensure that offenders are released to appropriate accommodation where available

"In cases where the relevant criteria is met Tromode House may be used or other suitable accommodation provided by Social Services.

"There is also access to hotels, hostels and other alternative accommodation for vulnerable residents - including those going through the court system or as a step after leaving prison.

"We work closely with partners in other agencies to find accommodation but the department recognises that there will always be a small cohort of people whose complex needs, risks or vulnerabilities mean they are not suitable for the accommodation that is available.

"The department is a partner in the Housing and Communities Board and this is one of the issues the board is currently exploring as part of the homelessness strategy."