Scores of angry protestors gathered outside a North East prison this weekend as they fight for their loved ones release.

The crowd was made up of family and friends of those caught up in the controversial Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences which came into force for England and Wales in 2005 but was axed in 2012.

It meant many have been banged up behind bars way beyond their original tariffs and protestors gathered at the gates of HM Prison Holme House in Stockton on Saturday as part of a campaign to raise the awareness of those said to be ‘trapped’ in jail.

Danny Weatherson was just 18 when a judge recommended he served almost 16 months for two attempted robberies before he could apply for parole - but it took 11 years and nine months for him to be released.

Stacey Webb and Maurice Stevens at protest outside of HMP Holme House
Stacey Webb and Maurice Stevens at protest outside of HMP Holme House

He got out on July 3 and was told to spend three months in a hostel in Leeds before being allowed to return to home soil in Newcastle.

Frustrated over not being with his family, without benefits and miles away from home, Danny threw a chair on the floor in the hostel which bounced and cracked a window.

It was on his 29th birthday on July 18 and he was recalled to prison. He was sent back to Leeds but has now been transferred to Holme House.

Dad Maurice Stevens, 45, of Lemington, Newcastle, joined scores of others to protest against the IPP sentences.

And Stacey Webb, 37, of Ashington, also joined the protest as she fights for the release of her partner Damien Hickman, 36, who was sentenced for three-and-a-half years back in 2007 after causing wounding with intent when he stabbed his brother.

The pair join Joanne Hibert, of Preston, who is organising protests at prisons around the country to try and urge the government to pass quicker releases.

Joanne is fighting for the release of her partner Ian Harley, 43, who was jailed for robbery in 2006 when his tariff was originally for three years and two months.

Maurice Stevens, father of Danny Weatherson
Maurice Stevens, father of Danny Weatherson

Dad-of-12 Maurice said: “These IPP sentences are ridiculous. These type of sentences are no longer handed out and the public should know more about them.

“I got t-shirts printed with Danny’s picture on and wore it at the protest.

“This demonstration is to make more people aware about those who are trapped behind bars. Danny came out for a short while and then went back in. People who do the same crime as Danny today would be out after doing half their time given in court. But Danny, and loads of others like him, are still in there. We want this protest to make a difference.”

Mum-of three Stacey said: “We have gathered at Holme House to make more people aware of IPP sentences and we hope this protest will make a difference. Damien keeps getting knocked back for his release but there is nothing more he can do and they still keep him in there. It is killing him being in prison because his mother and father are very ill and now he has me and he wants to get out.”

Ministry of Justice data shows thousands of IPP prisoners are still being held since the sentences was abolished and last year 553 were released.

The authorities admit the IPP sentence was massively criticised and “used far more widely than intended”.

And this is why it was replaced with a new regime of tough, determinate sentences, alongside life sentences for the most serious offenders.

Former Justice Secretary Elizabeth Truss said on IPP sentencing: “We need to be realistic that these prisoners on these sentences have committed serious crimes and that some are dangerous people. But there are others that have long served their minimum term and are committed to proving that they are safe for release.

“Of course, public protection must be the number one priority. But it seems unjust that someone sentenced in 2010 can remain in prison for years when - if sentenced today - they might have an automatic release date.

“That’s why it’s important we tackle the backlog of these cases that are waiting for a Parole Board hearing. We are making progress.

Nick Hardwick, the chairman of the Parole Board and a former chief inspector of prisons, has previously told the government to “get a grip” on the issue of prisoners serving indeterminate sentences and IPPs. He has said in the past: “The levels of suicide, assault, and self-harm [in prison] is unacceptably high. It’s the fault of political and policy decisions that should have been put right two years ago.”

Protest organiser, mum-of-five Joanne, 41, said: “I want others to get involved and I’m going to protest outside as many prisons as possible. I’m wanting the release of my partner Ian Hartley but I also want others on IPP sentences to be released.

“I have had meetings with David Blunkett, the Parole Board and the Prison Reform Trust. I have protested outside prisons and the Houses of Parliament, we hope to raise awareness about IPP prisoners.”