WHEELCHAIR-BOUND SEX OFFENDER RICHARD FITZPATRICK FACES SENTENCE REVIEW
A wheelchair-bound sex offender named Richard Fitzpatrick, aged 48, is scheduled for a review of his sentence.He cannot stand unaided and suffers from epilepsy and depression.
Fitzpatrick was initially given a community sentence instead of jail due to a mistaken belief by the prison service that his disabilities could not be accommodated within the prison system.
The case has attracted media attention and political scrutiny, with MPs demanding an inquiry.
Fitzpatrick had expected to go to jail for indecent assault on a little girl and admitted this expectation.
The prison service later clarified that they could provide for his needs, contradicting earlier communications.
Fitzpatrick is due to appear at Burnley Crown Court regarding his case.