Sintons supported important ABI conference in conjunction with BABICM
A nationally-significant event has been held to examine the issue of brain injuries in the criminal justice system, which heard from some of the UK’s leading professionals in the field and attracted professionals from around the country.
The event – ABI and The Criminal Justice System: Police, Prison, Probation and Beyond – tackled the issue of acquired brain injuries (ABI) in the justice system and how best to support people affected by this.
More than 70 professionals attended the event, held in York, alongside an array of highly-respected speakers, including Chris Bath, chief executive of the National Appropriate Adults Network, leading case management professionals Louise Sheffield and Andrew Rose, and Jacqui Learoyd, from HMP Berwyn.
The event was organised by the British Association of Brain Injury Case Managers (BABICM) in association with law firm Sintons, whose specialist neurotrauma team represents brain-injured people across the UK and is regarded as being one of the leaders in this field.
The conference addressed the subject of ABI from the earliest point within the criminal justice system, covering the process from arrest through to custody, probation and rehabilitation, and addressing how vulnerable brain-injured people can and should be supported during this period.
John Davis, one of the UK’s leading brain injury lawyers and a consultant in the neurotrauma team at Sintons, said: “This event gave a comprehensive analysis of the difficult and complex issue of how best to address ABI in the criminal justice system, and what support is and should be on offer to help vulnerable people in this position. Those attending the conference heard from an array of leading names in this area, who we are delighted could attend to share their unique and unrivalled experience and expertise.
“We are very pleased to have worked alongside BABICM to help bring an important topic to the fore through such an excellent event.”
Vicki Gilman, chair of BABICM, said: “ABI in the criminal justice system is a growing issue, with a high percentage of people who have suffered brain injuries coming into contact with the law, and that is something that needs to be urgently addressed. We are very pleased to have put this hugely important issue on the national agenda, and to work alongside Sintons in doing so.”
