Parents Angered as Son's Killer Posts on Social Media from Prison

Parents of a teenager killed in 2020 express anger as his killer posts on social media from prison, prompting calls for a longer sentence and investigation by the Ministry of Justice.

Parents confront killer's prison social media posts

Kirsty and Michael Hall have expressed their distress after discovering that their son's killer has been posting content on social media while incarcerated.

Joshua Hall was 17 when he was fatally stabbed in Cam, near Dursley, in 2020. The individual responsible, who was 15 at the time, received a 14-year prison sentence.

Six years after the incident, Joshua's parents, Kirsty and Michael, have seen images of the convicted individual posing with other inmates inside the prison. This has led them to question the offender's remorse and call for an extension of the sentence.

A Ministry of Justice (MOJ) spokesperson stated that they are "acting immediately" to investigate how the posts were made, describing the situation as "totally unacceptable."

Joshua was described by his mother Kirsty as "kind," "caring," and "cheeky."

The photo shows Joshua in a black Addidas t shirt with white stripes on the shoulders. He is sitting in a green camping chair with a small smile on his face, posing for the photo next to his mum. — Image caption, Joshua (pictured) was described as "kind" "caring" and "cheeky" by his mum Kirsty

Ms Hall said:

"Why not go quietly? Why not take your punishment? You took a life – where is your regret? Where is your remorse?"

Photographs shared with the BBC show the convicted individual, whose name is withheld out of respect for the family, posing with other prisoners inside the jail, despite strict prohibitions on mobile phone use.

The Halls believe these posts are intended to project a "gangster image" and gain status within the prison community.

"I'm extremely angry. It's unacceptable as Joshua's mother. I want real-world consequences,"

said Ms Hall.

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The family has reported difficulties obtaining clear answers from the MOJ regarding how the images were captured, what disciplinary measures will be taken, and why the social media account involved remains active.

"It certainly makes the entire justice system and the principles that it is built on seem futile in the eyes of the criminals,"

Mr Hall said.

"Someone being able to connect with the community in which we live - the community in which our surviving son lives and being able to have a real world impact - you're left clutching for options with how to respond."

One of the images posted on Instagram shows Joshua's killer (center) posing with two other prisoners.

An image showing three men posing behind a stair case and a window. All have their faces blurred out. The man in the middle is wearing all black and posing with his hands down his pants. The man on the left is wearing grey jogging bottoms and a blue hoodie with his hood up. The man on the right is wearing all grey clothes and is making a gesture to the camera with his hands which is also blurred out. — Image caption, This image was posted on instagram, showing Joshua's killer (middle) posing with two other prisoners

Calls for sentence extension

Joshua's parents are now advocating for additional time to be added to the killer's sentence.

At sentencing, the judge imposed a 14-year term. The Halls argue that recent developments demonstrate this was insufficient.

"We want to time added on to the sentence of Josh's murderer. It was lenient in the first place,"

Mr Hall stated.

"Now here's a really good reason to step up on that promise of doing justice by Josh."

"Josh isn't coming home,"

Ms Hall added.

"But he's not coming home because that individual took a knife and used it in the worst possible way. Not once - six times.

He's then entered a justice system where he is then allowed real-world access to social media.

He's glorifying his gangster image."

The posts have since been removed. The MOJ has stated that any prisoner found with a mobile phone will face disciplinary action, which could include additional time in custody.

Legality of mobile phones in prison

Possession of a mobile phone in prison and posting on social media is illegal.

Those caught can face further penalties, including increased restrictions or extensions to their sentences.

The Halls have expressed broader concerns about the enforcement of prison rules.

Parliamentary concerns raised

Last month, Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre raised the issue in Parliament, questioning Justice Secretary David Lammy about how such breaches occur and what measures are being taken.

An MOJ spokesperson said:

"Having a phone behind bars is unacceptable. We acted immediately to get this content removed, and we are investigating how this was able to happen."

They added that £40 million has been invested in new security measures to reduce illegal items and ensure that "those who break prison rules can face extra time behind bars."