Forum Topic

Peter William Sutcliffe. wants to draw State Pension?

Peter William Sutcliffe (born 2 June 1946) is a British serial killer who was dubbed "The Yorkshire Ripper". In 1981 Sutcliffe was convicted of murdering 13 women and attacking seven others. He is currently serving 20 sentences of life imprisonment in Broadmoor Hospital. After his conviction, Sutcliffe began using his mother's maiden name and became known as Peter William Coonan. The High Court dismissed an appeal in 2010, confirming that he would serve a whole life tariff and would never be released from imprisonment.Should a convicted murderer be entitled to draw State Pension while serving a whole life sentence.  He claims that he paid his taxes before being imprisoned and, therefore is entitled to draw his pension.  Is this attention seeking by a nutter?  Will we have another insane judgement from the European Court of Human Rights?  In my opinion he should have been hanged and, is not entitled to any benefits whatsoever.

Nicola Howard ● 5303d16 Comments

If he was 35 when convicted, then he paid his National Insurance for, say, 17 years, which would entitle him to a reduced pension. There doesn't seem logically to be anything to stop his claiming it, so I suggest the government gives it to him, and them charges him for his keep.

Susan Kelly ● 5302d

I thought that was what happened if you were long-stay in hospital care. Doesnt a great chunk of state pension get docked for the duration?I'm sure I've heard that. In which case, not a problem. Especially as he is in Broadmoor because he is deemed "insane" ie sick as well as bad.

Sara Nathan ● 5302d

Not sure about the State Pension being docked for long term hospitalisation, but other benefits are, i.e. incapacity, jsa.If Sutcliffe is awarded state pension, will he get pension credit to top it up?

Nicola Howard ● 5302d

There are 13 women who are entitled to the option of claiming state pension - unfortunately they can't - he killed them - that in a nut shell is the main part of this picture we should all look at -

Gary Hall ● 5302d

No he is not entitled to other benefits. And State Pension is not a benefit, although commonly called so.

George Knox ● 5302d

Good point, George.

Susan Kelly ● 5302d

Good point George and Gary.As long as this doesn't cost the tax payer any more money fighting this case, which I see as a waste of money due to the small amount he'll get, then I'd rather he didn't get it on the grounds he really doesn't need it and, as Gary says, his victims can't claim pension.  But, if it means spending thousands on taking his claim to court, let him have it.  It's small fry compared to the other thread topic on the NHS!

Angela White ● 5302d

After what he did he might just consider himself lucky to be alive.I would suggest refusing him his pension and putting it toward victim support schemes.It seems that those who deny others the right to life are firmly interested in their own human rights and in making that life as easy as possible.I would suggest that anyone who murders another person,particularly in the type of way that Sutcliffe did, has no right to any benign consideration from society. He is obviously not that mad that he doesn't think he knows his 'rights'.He has a right to stay in Broadmoor and 3 squares a day and no more.

Keith Iddon ● 5302d

What's his missus up to these days?

Susan Kelly ● 5302d

Fear not folks.The Politically Correct Human Rights legal practitioner vultures will soon be clamouring to represent Sutcliffe and hitching onto the Endless Revenue Gravy Train.I'm surprised Cherie Blair hasn't offered to represent him yet?

Rosco White ● 5302d

Good point Rosco.  While everyone is bashing bankers it's the lawyers doing the real damage to this country.  Lawyers cost this country billions a year in spurious claims and they're allowed to get away with it. Sutcliffe no doubt would get Legal Aid - so his claim is paid for by you and me.Lawyers the reason our insurances are so high, the reason illegal immigrants play the asylum card and one of the reasons the NHS is leaking money (claims by both staff and patients - look up the figures if you can get past the Google adverts saying "we can help you claim thousands in NHS compensation claims!").The bankers took a chance and screwed up (big time) but lawyers have very cleverly created an industry all for themselves even changing our laws to suit them and we've not even noticed. I think people need to start realising which industry is really ruining this country.

Sarah Harris ● 5301d

You are absolutely right Sarah.I have thought this about lawyers for some time,that many of them are a bunch of ambulance chasing shiesters who would rather see there own country turned into a rascals free -for- all on the grounds of legal technicalities and spurious 'yuman rights'claims. Some judges are no better either. I would like to know too how the amounts that some people receive as compo are arrived at.

Keith Iddon ● 5301d

Agree.  Only ever met one who had any integrity and I'm deeply grateful to him as he, along with a lovely estate agent, saved me from emotional ruin I reckon!  They're not "all the same" but I've yet to be convinced that they've any integrity en masse at all.

Angela White ● 5301d

"I would like to know too how the amounts that some people receive as compo are arrived at."It's because Lawyers have adjusted the industry to suit themselves.  In the UK it's now cheaper to employ a lawyer to negotiate a settlement rather than go to court and see justice done. So if, for example, someone with a broken leg is suing a hotel, the hotel will weigh up the costs of the lawyers and court action against a settlement rather than trying to defend themselves.  If the lawyers and court action are going to cost £100,000, which they easily could, and which they know they won't be able to get back off the bloke with the broken leg anyway and the publicity will hurt them, they will pay out regardless.Even if a case goes to court these days there's no saying you'll definitely win even if you are in the right.  It's more a case of who has the most experienced lawyer (ie who has the most money) will win. It's not a justice system, it's a joke!What really makes me laugh is the pro bono work which some lawyers do.  Their industry is so bad they have to work for free to appease their consciences! I can't think of any other industry which does this.Come the glorious day they'll be the first up against the wall!

Sarah Harris ● 5300d

Sarah I don't how you arrive at that view. It has always been cheaper to settle than go before the judge , when using lawyers. And there has never been any certainty that you will win a case.Pro Bono is not a joke and should you ever need it you will be mighty glad. It has been around for a very long time and could well have been why legal Aid was introduced. Funding for legal aid in its broadest sense has shamefully been consistently cut back in recent years - in other words preventing people from getting justice.Here is a link which informs on a number of other professions which offer pro bono.http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/Article/919530/pro-bono-nice-work-it/Where there is extremely good cause for a gripe is the ridiculous fees which lawyers demand. The best way to deal with a lawyer is to get the legal advice and then manage the lawyer. They don't like that at all, but there are enough incompetents out there to justify telling them what to do. The other problem with quite a few of them, is that they have become so specialised that they can be hamstrung in giving you advice to fit all of your problem, and their lack of knowledge runs the risk of you getting bad advice. So often these days it is that the frightened legal sheep run to a barrister for technical advice. Now that is a change, and it consequently means you pay more.

George Knox ● 5300d

Hi Sarah.  I know some counsellors and psychotherapists will work pro bono occasionally.  I'm sure it's not to ease their conscience but rather when they know someone is in emotional turmoil and, for whatever reason, cannot afford to see them or continue work with them.  They, of course, don't advertise this.

Angela White ● 5300d