Killer’s human rights claim over cold jail cell could cost taxpayers nearly £1m
A convicted murderer and rapist, who complained that his prison cell was too chilly, is heading a human rights claim that could cost UK taxpayers just short of £1million.
Barry Hillman is arguing that rights under European law were breached by iffy central heating and a lack of hot water at HMP Littlehey in the village of Perry near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
The 42-year-old killer is one of the figureheads for a group of 29 prisoners hoping to be awarded compensation for having been subjected to what they believe was inhuman or degrading treatment having endured "extreme bodily discomfort".
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It is a case that is being pursued by the cons, even though they were served with soup and provided with portable heaters, duvets, hot water bottles and thermal underwear to help keep them warm.
Hillman and his fellow lags claim that the cold, which was at its worst in 2018, prevented them from washing and, consequently, led to illness and hygiene issues.
There are four test case claimants willing to appear in court, including Hillman, who was sent to jail in 2002 after battering a pizza delivery man to death.
He then went on to commit rape whilst on prison leave 10 years later.
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Lawyers reckon that the lags could win payouts of up to £30,000 apiece if their case is successful and the quartet would then be followed by a further 25 claimants.
The case will now be heard at Central London County Court on a date that is yet to be decided with the Ministry of Justice, who will fight the claims, maintaining that everything possible was done to address the inmates' discomfort.
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