Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is considering mandatory chemical castration for the most serious sex offenders, according to government sources. The measure is part of a package of radical sentencing reforms aimed at freeing thousands of prisoners and easing overcrowding in England and Wales.
The plans include expanding a pilot programme using libido-suppressing drugs to 20 regions, with a view to a nationwide rollout. The drugs, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and anti-androgens, are currently used voluntarily alongside psychiatric treatment in a pilot in south-west England.
Mahmood is expected to accept key recommendations from an independent sentencing review chaired by David Gauke, including releasing well-behaved prisoners on tag after serving a third of their sentences, and freeing serious violent or sexual offenders after half their sentence. However, she has dismissed a suggestion that dangerous offenders could earn early parole through 'credits'.
The review calls for building an evidence base on chemical suppression, examining programmes in Germany, Denmark and Poland. It notes participation would remain voluntary in England and Wales, but Mahmood is exploring making it mandatory for the most serious offenders.
Other recommendations include expanding specialist domestic abuse courts, improving training on violence against women and girls, and increasing probation service resources. Gauke warned of a 'public backlash' if funding is not provided.
