Cutting Edge Documentary Channel 4 showed Lifers. In particular a young man, Shaun, who shortly after being sent to Gartree Prison Leicestershire, charged with Manslaughter due to Diminished responsibilities and sentenced to a minimum of 9 years. Shortly after arriving at Gartree, Shaun was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrone (High Functioning Autism). 12 years later Shaun is still in Gartree, I can only presume he is still there because the policy of the prison is protecting the public and full marks to them. However, the Psychologists also said the Board want to see clear evidence that the offenders know what they did was wrong and to see clear evidence that they are sorry and this will not happen again. Asperger people cannot always show empathy, they can't feel it, although it was clear from the film Shaun struggled to explain why he had done what he did. Whilst having limited knowledge of what happened I can see Shaun was not able to cope and/or handle the situation he was faced with - he became anxious, upset and panicked and when those voices in his head told him to kill that woman, he did. Asperger people are also very honest. After he committed the crime he went to the Police and told them exactly what he had done. Shaun says in the programme he is not hiding behind his Asperger's but asks himself how his life would have been if he did not have Asperger's. I am sure many of you will say he deserves to be locked up and he would probably agree but he did the crime and he has done his time. Prison is not the place now for Shaun, he should be getting help to get him back in society - surely there are other places where Shaun can be placed to get help and support. Asperger children suffer terribly at school being bullied and if they do not have the love and care they need the world can be a very difficult and challenging place for them. To simplify Asperger's - if you can imagine living in a place where everyone speaks a language you cannot understand, that gives you a little insight into what life is like. I hope you will sign this petition and if you have any doubts please google search Asperger Syndrome to get an idea of what the people go through all their lives, or check on the National Autistic Website. Thank you