Justice Secretary Apologises to Families Over Early Release of Violent Offenders
The Justice Secretary has apologised to families whose relatives' attackers were eligible for early prison release. Alex Chalk stated that it was 'unacceptable' for individuals convicted of violent offences, including actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, to be considered for the scheme.
New restrictions mean those serving sentences of more than four years for violent or sexual offences will be excluded. Additionally, offenders who have previously breached licence conditions will no longer be eligible. The current early release programme allows some prisoners to be freed up to 70 days before their scheduled release date.
Families of victims expressed their distress, arguing that the policy prioritises prison capacity over victim welfare. One family, whose son's attacker was considered for early release, stated the apology comes 'at the expense of victims'. The expansion of the scheme from 18 to 70 days for early release was implemented to alleviate pressure on the overcrowded prison system, which currently holds around 88,000 inmates.
The Justice Secretary previously apologised after a small number of inmates were mistakenly released. The government maintains that public safety remains paramount, despite the operational challenges within the correctional system.
