A new reform in England and Wales will now allow prisoners, including serious offenders, to become eligible for early release after serving just a third of their sentence. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced this decision following recommendations from an independent sentencing review conducted by former Conservative Lord Chancellor David Gauke. While most of the proposals were accepted, the release of the most serious offenders will not be permitted.
There were concerns from victims’ groups that offenders jailed under standard determinate sentences, which include sex offenders and perpetrators of domestic abuse, would be eligible for early release. Mahmood clarified that the most serious offenders will still need to serve at least two-thirds of their sentence and that those incarcerated for terror offenses will not be eligible for early release. She also mentioned the expansion of a voluntary chemical castration scheme for sex offenders.
Despite criticisms from the opposition, Mahmood defended the government’s stance, highlighting the need for reform due to the rising prison population and limited capacity. Plans for the construction of three new prisons before 2025 and budget allocations for prison-building were also mentioned. Gauke’s review, inspired by US prison reform measures, aims to address overcrowding issues by introducing alternative punishments and reducing unnecessary short jail terms.
Various stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the new reforms. While some believe that moving away from short jail terms could be beneficial, others argue that early release for serious offenders is unacceptable. The review has faced backlash for not adequately considering the perspectives of those impacted by violent crime. Probation officers have raised concerns about the additional pressure that could arise from implementing the recommendations, emphasizing the need for sufficient resources to support the proposed changes
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