Andy Burnham has announced that killers, including those responsible for Pc Andrew Harper’s death, will be blocked from early prison release after a backlash. Some offenders serving indefinite jail sentences, abolished in 2012, will also be freed through legislation to be brought forward by the end of this Parliament, according to the Prime Minister.
Changes to early release
About 5,000 prisoners had been due to be released early from September under plans to ease jail overcrowding, down from 6,000 after ministers intervened to exempt rapists and “serious” child sex offenders. Under fresh changes announced on Sunday, anyone convicted of unlawful killing, including all forms of manslaughter and death by dangerous driving, will be excluded.
Grooming gang perpetrators will also be blocked from early release after concerns were raised about a potential loophole in the system.
Debate over the scheme
Supporters of the early release scheme say it is necessary to relieve severe prison overcrowding. They say those released early will be subject to strict licence conditions, such as curfews and electronic tagging.
On the flip side, detractors warn that releasing offenders early could result in new crimes being committed or it might mean prisoners won't be able to complete rehabilitation programmes.
