Early prisoner release scheme expands amid reoffending concerns

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

The government's controversial early release scheme enters its second wave with hundreds more prisoners freed to ease overcrowding.

The government's early release scheme entered its second wave on Tuesday, with around 650 prisoners freed as part of efforts to tackle prison overcrowding in England and Wales. About 2,000 criminals are being freed this month, including domestic abusers and violent offenders, with another 3,000 to follow in stages over the next year. The total was reduced from an originally planned 6,000 after intervention by Andy Burnham.

The scheme has drawn scrutiny following the case of Michael Bogle, a 38-year-old from Brent released from HMP Wandsworth under the first phase. Within 24 hours of his release, he was allegedly caught on CCTV stealing from supermarkets in north-west London and later admitted to four shoplifting offences. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams warned that prolific offenders were being released back into communities despite obvious risks, saying the incident highlighted how pressure was being shifted from prisons to frontline policing.

The Ministry of Justice said released offenders would be monitored under the 'toughest supervision in British history'. Separately, the probation union Napo is moving towards strike action over pay and workloads, with members to ballot on industrial action from 19 October. The union says probation has been asked to take on huge amounts of additional work due to tens of thousands of prisoners released early since 2022.

How it is being reported

• Another 650 criminals are freed from prisons across England and Wales in the second tranche of Labour's early release bonanzaThe group will include prisoners serving up to two and a half years for a variety of crimes, including violent offences and domestic abuse.Daily Mail · 13 Oct, 08:34
• Second wave of early prison releases under way in England and WalesAbout 2,000 criminals are being freed this month to ease overcrowding, while probation union moves towards strike The second wave of early prison releases takes place throughout Tuesday, with hundreds of offenders walking out across England and Wales under the government’s controversial plan to ease overcrowding. About 2,000 criminals, including domestic abusers and violent offenders, are being freed this month, with another 3,000 to follow in stages over the next year. The total was reduced from 6,000 after an intervention by Andy Burnham . Continue reading...The Guardian · 13 Oct, 08:13
• Early prisoner release scheme expands despite fears after 'London shoplifter reoffends in a day'The programme enters its second wave this week as ministers try to tackle overcrowding prisonsEvening Standard · 12 Oct, 18:28

In this story: Michael Bogle · Andy Burnham · Luke Williams · HMP Wandsworth · Metropolitan Police · Napo · Ministry of Justice · England and Wales

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