Vulnerable left with no help after arrest, says Shropshire lawyer

Previously anyone arrested and held on remand was able to access mental health care prior to their appearance in magistrates courts in Telford and Shrewsbury.

But now that the majority of the legal work has been moved to Kidderminster, this service is no longer available.

Between October last year and February, 53 people identified as having mental health issues were arrested.

They were then referred to the Criminal Justice Mental Health Liaison Team - a small team of senior mental health nurses - and a member of the team was able to attend the police station and offer help and advice.

The vulnerable people were then remanded in custody to appear at court later the same day or the following morning.

At court the following day a member of the team then attended the court to help with the case.

But since April 1, the Ministry of Justice have transferred all custodial remand cases to Kidderminster where there is no reciprocal Criminal Justice Mental Health Liaison Team.

Leading lawyer Stephen Scully from Shrewsbury-based Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors said the changes meant that once appearing in court, if bailed, it could lead to vulnerable people being released onto the streets of Kidderminster, unable to access help and they could be a risk to themselves and others.

“What we find now is that highly vulnerable people are now being arrested and charged and are being sent to Kidderminster where they are without the help and advice of people who know them, know their backgrounds and understand their sometimes complex needs.

“We are particularly concerned following the spate of suicide attempts in and around the River Severn.

“In the past these people may have been arrested for creating a public nuisance.

“They were then able to get in touch with the Criminal Justice Liaison Team who helped them once they appeared at court. This is not the case now and this is very concerning.”