A PRISONER whose rights were violated when his confidential mail was opened won an important victory at London's Appeal Court yesterday.
Jeffrey Shane Watkins, serving a life sentence, complained after legal correspondence was opened without his consent while he was at Wakefield Prison, in Yorkshire, and Frankland Prison, Durham.
At Leeds County Court last year it was ruled three prison officers acted in bad faith but a claim for damages was dismissed because Watkins had not suffered any loss.
Yesterday, Watkins was awarded £5 against all three officers, who were given leave to appeal. The case was returned to county court for a judge to decide if he should receive more damages.
The decision broke legal ground by saying Watkins did not have to prove any financial or other loss to be awarded damages. The fact his right to confidentiality had been breached was enough.
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