Express reporter Adam Toms was outside HMP Brixton as prisoners were released early under the Government's scheme, and he warns it is not completely beyond the realms of possibility that someone could lose their lives.
Scenes outside HMP Brixton
It was deceptively chilly in the shade outside the imposing doors of HMP Brixton. Golden sunlight drenched the rest of the road, into which ex-prisoners let go under the early release scheme would soon be stepping as free men. Before they emerged, either alone or in small groups, we could hear them behind the jail door, impatient to be liberated. A loud squeak and groan rang out as the mechanism pulled back the barrier.
A line of journalists greeted the now former detainees, causing some to grimace. Others already had their faces covered. A number of individuals talked to me, while some stayed silent and walked down the road towards Brixton Hill. A couple thanked Andy Burnham for letting them out — one man even calling him “mate”.
Ex-prisoners speak out
David Elliott, 50, who claimed to be addicted to stealing, suggested that people should not be sent to prison at all and should instead be given help outside bars. Mr Elliott said he would nick more stuff now that he is out, and a clip of this is circulating online, including by Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy. Afterwards, the ex-inmate added that he was “joking”.
One other conversation has stuck in the memory, with Dean, 37, who was homeless and put inside for theft after breaking into a “cupboard” to sleep in. He said: “I’m glad to be out, but I agree with you, all the people that knocked their missus about and that, and now they’re going to be coming out.” The ex-prisoner added: “You’ve got some wrong ‘uns coming out and they shouldn’t come out. Do you know what I mean?”
Concerns over dangerous offenders
The Prime Minister made sure that people who were responsible for people’s deaths, including manslaughter and dangerous driving, as well as rapists, serious child sexual offenders and groomers, are staying inside. This was after a huge backlash to the prospect of PC Andrew Harper’s killers being released. This would have been completely unacceptable, and the PM should be commended for making sure it did not happen.
Nevertheless, dangerous people, such as domestic abusers, are being let out. I spoke to a man on Thursday morning who said he was in for a “domestic” offence, although he did not yield any more information than that. He was silent when I asked him if he had anything to say to women and girls who may be scared. A man convicted of dangerous driving was also let out. He said he was “shocked” after only being told three days ago that he would be.
Political reaction and prison capacity
Reform UK MP, Sarah Pochin, told me Mr Burnham may end up with blood on his hands. This is an eyebrow-raising idea, but someone may well lose their lives as a result of one of today’s releases. It is not completely out of the realm of possibility. Ms Pochin said her party would deport foreign criminals instead.
There were around 10,400 (3,588 remand, 6,458 sentenced and 441 non-criminal) held in custody as of March this year. It has proven very tricky to oust them from the UK. Moreover, some cells remain empty, such as in Dartmoor. Radon gas levels up to 10 times the recommended workplace limit were detected, and inmates were moved out. Staff were also sacked or transferred to other jails. The Prison Service said this was a “precautionary measure”, but prisoners have not returned.
The Express previously reported that two prisons are less than half full and a further seven are more than a quarter empty. The MoJ said this is based on levels of “control, security and the proper operation of the planned regime” which is largely affected by staffing. A spokesperson maintained that the department is “refurbishing old and dilapidated cells as well as building four new prisons to address the demand for prison places and make prison more effective at cutting crime.” Get a grip and just sort it out.
