More than half of prisoners’ crimes ‘could be due to brain injuries’

MORE THAN half of prisoners could have head injuries that may be behind their offending, a review has found.

Experts from the universities of Exeter, Manchester, Oxford, Glasgow and Sheffield, along with the Centre for Mental Health, are calling for all offenders to be screened for traumatic brain injuries. Such injuries are linked to greater violence and problems in prison, and the researchers say that better support could reduce the likelihood of offending or reoffending.

The team reviewed existing evidence and concluded that young people with traumatic brain injuries are at a greater risk of early, more violent offending.

They believe this may be because such injuries can compromise the neurological functions for self-regulation and social behaviour, and increase risk of behavioural and psychiatric disorders.

Young offenders with traumatic brain injuries are particularly at risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviour, the review said.

“Addressing traumatic brain injury offers a means to not only improve the lives of those who offend, but also to reduce crime,” said Professor Huw Williams, of the University of Exeter.

“A range of measures could reduce the risk of crime following traumatic brain injury,” he added.

“These could include any form of neurorehabilitation, and better links between emergency departments, community mental health services, GPs and school systems.”