Steven McBride, a prisoner serving an indefinite prison sentence for public protection (IPP), took his own life in September 2024, an inquest at Ipswich Coroner’s Court revealed. McBride, aged 40 at the time, was found unresponsive in his cell at HMP Warren Hill in Suffolk. The jury concluded that the uncertainty surrounding his IPP sentence, coupled with a parole refusal months earlier, contributed significantly to his death.

McBride had been handed an IPP sentence in 2007, with a minimum tariff of two years and 91 days, after a stabbing offence. The controversial sentence, abolished in 2012 but not applied retrospectively, leaves thousands of prisoners with no fixed release date, often subject to repeated recalls for minor breaches of licence terms. McBride spent nearly 17 years incarcerated under this open-ended punishment.

The inquest heard that McBride, who was partially sighted and registered blind, had a troubled history marked by mental health struggles and repeated self-harm. His family described a gradual deterioration in his wellbeing during his time in prison. Evidence presented included indentations of a note from McBride expressing despair over the sentence, reading in part: "IPP is cruel and is solely to blame for my death... I just can’t do it anymore." The original note has not been recovered.

McBride’s sister, Hayley Prince, spoke of his feelings of being trapped and helpless, citing his parole rejection six months prior as a breaking point. She urged authorities to address the situation for the approximately 2,400 prisoners still serving IPP sentences, calling for resentencing and improved monitoring of vulnerable inmates. Prince described her brother as deeply loved and noted the lasting impact of their shared childhood struggles, including the loss of their father to suicide.

According to court testimony, McBride was first released after about a decade in prison but was soon recalled for breaching licence conditions related to alcohol use. His repeated recalls culminated in his final period of imprisonment lasting until his death. Despite multiple suicide attempts and monitoring under care procedures, oversight was discontinued just five days before he was found unresponsive.

Legal representatives for McBride’s family argued that the IPP sentence was the primary factor in his death, highlighting records illustrating the sentence’s psychological toll. The jury’s narrative conclusion described McBride’s feelings of hopelessness and frustration, with his progression hampered by emotional instability and substance misuse. The exact intent behind McBride’s final act of self-harm remains unclear.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson reiterated that while IPP sentences were abolished, public safety remains a top priority. The ministry stated it continues to work with relevant organizations to support those still serving IPP sentences, including access to mental health and rehabilitation services.

The case has reignited debate over the legacy of IPP sentences and the ongoing challenges faced by offenders caught in the system despite its abolition more than a decade ago.