Burglars and Other Criminals to Be Released Early to Reduce Prison Crowding

Burglars, shoplifters, and certain violent offenders are set to be released over a month earlier than planned, as part of urgent measures to address overcrowding in prisons.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk will announce this move next week, allowing prisoners to be freed up to 35 days ahead of their scheduled release date in prisons at risk of exceeding their capacities. This marks a significant extension of an existing early release program introduced in October, which previously only allowed governors to release prisoners up to 15 days early.

Approximately 40,000 prisoners are eligible for this scheme, covering those on fixed sentences who would typically be released halfway through their terms. However, the program is limited to prisons deemed "full" at the discretion of governors, excluding sex offenders, convicted terrorists, category A prisoners, and violent offenders serving four or more years. Nonetheless, those serving less than four years for violent offenses, as well as burglars, thieves, shoplifters, and fraudsters with fixed-term sentences of any length, are eligible.

This action comes amidst concerns of imminent prison capacity shortages due to increased court cases and prosecutions following the addition of 20,000 police officers. With just over 1,000 available spaces out of 89,041 last month, efforts to expand prison capacity remain a top priority for Mr. Chalk. Additionally, a forthcoming scheme will allow up to 4,000 offenders recalled to prison for breaching their license conditions to be released early.

Mr. Chalk plans to amend the law so that criminals sentenced to less than 12 months, who are subsequently sent back to prison for violating their conditions, receive "fixed-term recalls" and spend only 14 days back in jail before release, rather than remaining in custody until the end of their license period under current procedures.

E&K Solicitors

Rusholme

0161 256 3915