asked the Minister for Justice the number of prisoners in this country at present serving life sentences; and the average time actually served by people who are sentenced to life imprisonment.
Written Answers. - Life Sentences.
31.
Eighty-two offenders are at present serving life sentences.
The average length of sentence served by offenders serving life sentences who were released in recent years, was just under 11 years. I should stress, however, that each case is dealt with on its merits and the length of time spent in custody by offenders serving life sentences can vary substantially.