The Michael Stone Inquiry – A Reflection

Abstract

On 9th July 1996 Lin Russell and her two young daughters, Megan and Josie, were subjected to an horrific assault in broad daylight in a peaceful country lane. Over a year later, Michael Stone, a man with a history of mental disorder, drug abuse and violence was arrested, following information passed to the police by his psychiatrist in response to a Crimewatch reconstruction. This article examines the details of the case and considers the varying application of the clinical and criminal systems to dangerously disordered individuals.