Deterioration and the long term prisoner: a descriptive analysis of Myra Hindley

– The purpose of this paper is to explore supposed inevitable personal decline for long-term prisoners, particularly those serving a sentence of life without parole.

– Using the prison records of a life without parole sentenced prisoner.

– Findings suggest that prisoner deterioration is not inevitable in a whole life prison sentence.

– Findings are based on one account, of a female prisoner.

– Distinct services and support are required for those with a natural life prison sentence.

– To date, there is limited research of prisoners serving life without parole, particularly the mental health implications of denying a prisoner future parole.