蜜芽传媒

On August 14th 2006, James Ward was given a 10 month minimum prison sentence called an IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) for arson. 11 years later, he is still in prison. We first told his story a year ago and in the last few weeks, James' self-harming has escalated.

Nick Hardwick, chair of the Parole Board for England and Wales, says that James Ward's case was the fault of "political and policy decisions" which have led to a "crisis in the prison system".

Lord Blunkett, who was responsible for introducing IPPs, agrees with Mr Hardwick adding that the "massive prison service cut" that the former Justice Secretary Christopher Grayling delivered has lead to these "consequences".

(Image: Prison guard closing gate, credit: Getty Images)