MP demands end to “compensation for crooks”

James Morris, MP for Halesowen & Rowley Regis, has called for action to stop criminals from claiming compensation when they injure themselves whilst committing crimes.

The MP’s demand comes after figures reveal that offenders claim £5million a year from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, including payments made to burglars who hurt themselves leaving a property that they have broken in to.

340 prison inmates were awarded a total of £3.1million last year, with one prisoner being awarded £500,000.

Calling on the Government to take action to put an end to such claims, Mr Morris said:

“Nobody wants to see victims being denied compensation that they deserve, but it is disgusting that people convicted of serious offences are able to use legal aid to claim compensation from the Government for injuries sustained in committing their crimes.

“It cannot be right that hardened criminals are receiving large pay-outs to compensate for their injuries or because their human rights have been breached, whilst their victims are often left with very little whilst they try to rebuild their lives.

“I am pleased that Ken Clarke has promised to address this outrage and put a bit of common sense back into the system.”

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has promised to make sure that Criminal Injuries Compensation is directed towards victims of crime rather than offenders.