Kerry Allan, who was strangled to the point of unconsciousness by her former partner Michael Cosgrove, has expressed heartbreak after learning he could be released from prison early under a new government scheme. Cosgrove, 46, was sentenced to 20 years for attempted murder and intentional strangulation but may now serve only six years due to the Sentencing Act 2026's progression model, which sets a minimum release point at one-third of the term for standard determinate sentences.
Victim's Ordeal and Betrayal
Allan received a voicemail from a victim liaison officer informing her of the potential early release. "I listened to it and I felt sick," she told the Manchester Evening News. "I feel like when he does get released, because it's only six years, he will be here in no time." The attack occurred in August 2024 after the couple argued over Cosgrove's messages on a dating app. He strangled her twice, then pulled her back from a window and strangled her again until she lost consciousness. Neighbors alerted police, and Cosgrove fled but was later arrested.
Allan, who moved away from her support network due to safety fears, said: "I've never got over it. It's on my mind every day." She had collaborated with the Crown Prosecution Service on a campaign encouraging abuse survivors to report crimes, making the early release news particularly devastating. "I feel let down by the government, let down by the courts," she added.
Prison Overcrowding and New Release Scheme
The progression model, effective from September, aims to alleviate prison overcrowding. From October 2022 to August 2024, prison occupancy ranged from 98% to 99.7%, with only 482 net new places added from 2010 to 2024. Under the new rules, offenders may be released after one-third of their sentence under strict licence conditions, including tagging and restriction zones, unless there is clear reason not to. However, release is not automatic; prisoners who misbehave can be held longer.
Cosgrove is among thousands eligible. Extended determinate sentences and offenders of particular concern, such as terrorists, are exempt. Former Labour minister Jess Phillips has called for more exemptions for domestic abuse offenders.
Concerns from Support Services
Manchester Women's Aid expressed alarm, citing cases from a previous early release scheme where perpetrators were freed without adequate monitoring. A spokesperson said: "We have seen cases where perpetrators have been released early but survivors have not been informed... upon breaching conditions, some have not faced appropriate repercussions." They noted increased risk in MARAC cases, where risk levels escalated from medium to high.
Allan fears for other women: "I feel women are being let down. This is not just me. It's on a bigger scale." She asked about appealing Cosgrove's release but was told it was not possible.
Government Response
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated: "This government inherited a prison system in crisis... Without this decisive action, prisons would’ve run out of space entirely." They highlighted investments of £700 million into probation and recruitment of 1,300 additional probation officers this year. Prison leavers will be tagged unless there is clear reason not to, and those convicted of the most serious crimes are excluded from earlier release.
Allan remains heartbroken: "Somebody has just diminished what he has done. It's absolutely disgusting."
