Compatibility of Whole Life Orders with the European Convention on Human Rights

摘要

The case concerns Douglas Vinter, Jeremy Bamber and Peter Moore, all of whom are serving life sentences for murder which are subject to whole life orders. In May 1996 Vinter was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 10 years, for the murder of a work colleague. He was released on licence in August 2005. In February 2008, after drinking and taking cocaine, Vinter followed his estranged wife to a pub, where they argued. He ordered his wife into a car and drove off. The police telephoned Vinter's wife to ascertain whether she was safe. He forced his wife to assure the police she was safe and well. He also telephoned the police to tell them the same.