Unfitness to Plead Consultation Responses - Law Commission ...

3. The only independent support advocate he had during the trial was his key
worker. The key worker reported that there was no time to give advice or support
without the co-defendant being present.
4. Whilst on remand Mr O was attacked due to only having one eye and the only
option available to him in this scenario was to await sentencing and request to
move to a smaller facility due to his physical disabilities.
In summary, Mr O was highlighted as being vulnerable to exploitation, five months
before this incident. The enormous delay in processing his case at social services, the
unnecessary debate about which borough was responsible for Mr O, and the lack of
intensive social work support for this very vulnerable young person has let him down.
This instability in his housing, his having to survive on the streets and his extreme
preoccupation with his visual disability have made his situation even worse as he is
vulnerable and prey to adult exploitation. Even when our workers have walked with him
down the road he has to look over his shoulder twice as much as he only has one eye to
see the danger he perceives everywhere. I doubt his sleeping patterns have improved
since being caught or incarcerated however I find it very sad that Mr O refuses to apply
for bail as he feels he has no safe space outside prison. He is being failed as a
vulnerable child and a robust care plan really needs to be developed for Mr O
irrespective of the outcome of the court hearing.
CASE STUDIES WRITTEN BY: SARAH-JANE FENTON, CHIEF OPERATING
OFFICER, KIDS COMPANY
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