Former inmates released early from a prison described as a "s*** hole" have thanked Andy Burnham, but warned that "wrong 'uns" are being let out. The Government scheme aims to free up space behind bars across the country.
Former inmates spoke to The Express outside HMP Brixton, where 44 of 700 people were expected to be released.
Released prisoner speaks of 360 convictions
David Elliott, who was inside for shoplifting, showed reporters multiple A4 pages listing over 30 release conditions, including having to wear an alcohol tag, which monitors the wearer's sweat.
"If people seen my license papers, you'd think I were a murderer," he said.
The Yorkshireman told the Prime Minister: "Stop sending people to prison in the first place. People don't need to go. Help them before they get there."
Mr Elliott, who was originally sentenced to 20 weeks, added, fighting back tears: "I'm 50, I've been in and out of jail all my life. I've got 360 convictions. It's help I need; I've got an addiction to stealing."
He said he has nothing except the paperwork in his bag, adding: "I've got nowhere to live." Mr Elliott said he is not allowed to go inside a swimming baths, where he would wash himself.
"They're setting us up to fail so we come back to jail," he said. "One hundred per cent [the scheme] is not going to work [...] We're all a lost cause now [...] Early release is just to get people out so they can get back in."
Other prisoners and families react
Dean, 37, who was homeless and put inside for theft after breaking into a "cupboard" to sleep in, 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."
He added: "It's rammed; it's packed in there." Dean was meant to be in jail for nine months and has come out after six. He said: "You've got some wrong 'uns coming out and they shouldn't come out. Do you know what I mean?"
One prisoner, who refused to provide their name, emerged into the sun wearing a cap and sunglasses. He was imprisoned for stealing "loads of cigarettes" and felt "anxious" as he emerged because he "stuck to a regime" while inside. When asked if he had a message for Mr Burnham, he said: "Thank you."
Another prisoner, who also did not want to give their name, said he was "over the moon" to be out and told the Prime Minister: "Thank you, mate. Appreciate you."
In a group of ex-prisoners were two men, one of which was being led out early, the other was a regular release. The latter said the prison is a "s*** hole". The former, who was in for dealing drugs and a "domestic" said he was going to try and get a job as a scaffolder. Asked if he could be back in prison, he said: "Nah, that's me done, mate." He was silent when asked if he had anything to say to women and girls who may be concerned about men being released.
Charlene Hefferman, 41, was outside the prison to see her brother, Rikky, released. He was inside for three months after his sentence could have been anything up to a year, she said.
"There's a lot that goes on in prisons that probably a lot of people don't understand — a lot of bullying, a lot of killings, a lot of damage."
Ms Hefferman said her brother was "put in with a lifer" while in HMP Belmarsh, who boiled a kettle, scarring him. Rikky was also stabbed in the eye, his sister added.
Ms Hefferman told the Prime Minister: "I think you need to look into the people that you are releasing, and I think you need to check thoroughly who you are releasing and who you ain't releasing."
She said it is "fair enough" letting people out early who have committed "misdemeanours" and "silly things", but she is worried other people are "ready to hurt and kill".
Reform MP warns of danger to women
Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin told Mr Burnham that lives are in danger.
"You are not prioritising the safety of women in this country," she said.
"I know from 20 years as a magistrate what it takes, these victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, to actually bring their perpetrators to court.
"Women are often in tears, absolutely terrified, just giving evidence, and what you're seeing today in this early release scheme is many of those type of offenders being released onto the streets early, without being monitored, because a lot of them coming out untagged, despite the Government saying they would be tagged, free to roam, free to go and find their victims, and free to take revenge."
Ms Pochin added: "Members of their community are utterly terrified for not only their own safety, the women's safety, but the safety of their children."
"I think the Prime Minister, potentially, could have blood on his hands. Let's for goodness' sake hope that doesn't happen."
Reform says it would free up space in the UK's prisons by deporting foreign criminals.
