Joshua Hall's Parents Demand Longer Sentence After Killer Posts Prison Social Media Photos
Kirsty and Michael Hall, whose 17-year-old son Joshua was killed in Cam, near Dursley, in 2020, are demanding additional time be added to his killer’s sentence. This follows the discovery of the now 21-year-old posting images of himself and other prisoners on social media, despite stringent prohibitions on mobile phone use in correctional facilities.
The killer, who was 15 at the time of the stabbing, received a 14-year sentence. Six years on, the Halls contend that these online posts undermine any notion of remorse and project a "gangster image," making a mockery of the justice process.
A Ministry of Justice (MoJ) spokesperson described the situation as "totally unacceptable" and stated they are "acting immediately" to investigate how the breach occurred and to remove the content. The Halls, however, report difficulties in obtaining clear answers from the MoJ regarding the incident, the subsequent punishment, or why the social media account remained active for a period.
"He's then entered a justice system where he is then allowed real-world access to social media. He's glorifying his gangster image," Ms Hall stated, adding that she wants "real-world consequences." Mr Hall noted that such incidents make the justice system's principles "seem futile in the eyes of the criminals."
Possession of a mobile phone in prison and posting on social media are illegal, with offenders facing potential punishments including additional restrictions or extended time behind bars. Last month, Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre raised concerns about these breaches in Parliament with Justice Secretary David Lammy. The MoJ asserts that £40 million has been invested in security measures to counter illegal items, reinforcing that "those who break prison rules can face extra time behind bars."
