Justice Secretary Andy Burnham has announced a pause to the government’s planned early prison release scheme following strong criticism from victims, survivors and families of crime victims.
_x000D_The Sentencing Act, which was scheduled to take effect in September, would have allowed thousands of eligible prisoners in England and Wales to leave prison earlier in an effort to reduce overcrowding.
_x000D_ _x000D_Government Suspends Prisoner Release Plan
_x000D_Burnham confirmed that no prisoners will be released under the new policy until an urgent review has been completed.
_x000D_He said the government wants to ensure public safety remains the priority while reviewing how the scheme would operate and how victims are informed about prisoner releases.
_x000D_Justice Minister Alex Norris said ministers want to provide victims and survivors with greater certainty before any changes are introduced.
_x000D_ _x000D_Victims’ Families Oppose Early Release
_x000D_The decision follows widespread criticism from victims’ groups and families, including Lissie Harper, the widow of Thames Valley Police officer PC Andrew Harper, who described the prospect of her husband’s killers being released early as unacceptable.
_x000D_Many victims had already received official letters informing them that offenders could become eligible for earlier release under the planned reforms.
_x000D_Campaigners argued the policy created fear and uncertainty for victims still dealing with the impact of serious crimes.
_x000D_ _x000D_Scheme Was Designed to Reduce Prison Overcrowding
_x000D_The Sentencing Act proposed reducing the amount of time some prisoners spend behind bars.
_x000D_Under the planned reforms:
_x000D_ _x000D_- _x000D_
- Standard offenders could be released after serving one-third of their sentence instead of half. _x000D_
- Some serious violent and sexual offenders could become eligible after serving half rather than two-thirds of their sentence. _x000D_
- The most dangerous offenders, including life prisoners, would remain excluded. _x000D_
Prisoners released early would remain under strict supervision in the community and could be returned to custody if they breached release conditions.
_x000D_ _x000D_Prison Capacity Concerns Continue
_x000D_The government originally introduced the reforms to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons across England and Wales.
_x000D_Some prison officers have warned that delaying the scheme could place additional strain on the prison system later this year if inmate numbers continue to rise.
_x000D_Others welcomed the decision, saying public protection should remain the government’s highest priority.
_x000D_ _x000D_Review Will Determine Future of Policy
_x000D_The government will now review both the implementation of the Sentencing Act and the way victims are notified before any early release takes place.
_x000D_Officials say no timetable has yet been set for when the review will conclude, leaving the future of the early prison release scheme uncertain.
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