We will strip violent criminals of access to benefits like Universal Credit, Labour vows
A Labour spokesperson claimed that the party would take away benefits for violent criminals if they come into power.
Under a Labour government, violent criminals could be stripped of their access to the benefits system following public outrage over a killer's Universal Credit income.
Should Labour secure victory in Thursday's General Election, a spokesperson has indicated plans to revoke the right of violent criminals to claim benefits support through the Department for Work and Pensions.
This policy shift comes in the wake of backlash after it was revealed that Valdo Calocane, a killer based in Nottingham, was among 80 killers residing in a secure hospital and claiming state support such as Universal Credit.
A Freedom of Information request lodged by The Telegraph uncovered that these violent offenders at Ashworth secure hospital in Merseyside were pocketing thousands in Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance.
The hospital defended this as "standard practice", stating that killers who have not been given prison sentences are eligible for DWP benefits as they are considered patients with mental disorders.
However, criminals serving time in prison rather than a secure hospital are barred from claiming DWP benefit support.
Calocane was handed his sentence at Nottingham Crown Court in January for the fatal stabbings of 19-year-old pupils Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Juma, as well as 65-year-old Ian Coates in the early hours of June 13 last year.
He was sentenced to detention in a high-security hospital after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
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Calocane received an indefinite hospital order as he was deemed to be in the "grips of a severe psychotic episode" when he committed the killings.
A Labour spokesperson informed The Telegraph that they would "urgently look at this case" should they gain power after Thursday's vote.
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride is said to be "very concerned" about the situation and has demanded a review into Calocane's case. Meanwhile, Emma Webber, the mother of one of the victims, has criticised the "broken" criminal justice system.