UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – The UK plans to free some sex and violent offenders early, allowing release at half sentence under new reform to address prison overcrowding.
As reported by the Independent, reforms to address overcrowded prisons may allow sexual and violent offenders early release after serving half their sentence.
Former Tory justice secretary David Gauke has proposed allowing violent and sexual offenders sentenced to over four years to be granted parole at the halfway point.
What did David Gauke say about the prison overcrowding crisis?
David Gauke, revealing his recommendations on Thursday, stressed the severity of prison overcrowding and said reforms are crucial to shift the justice system away from excessive reliance on custodial sentences.
He said,
“The scale of the crisis we are in cannot be understated. Overcrowded prisons are leading to dangerous conditions for staff and contributing to high levels of reoffending. We cannot build our way out of it. To stabilise the prison system and end the dangerous cycle of emergency releases the government must take decisive action.”
Mr Gauke proposed that dangerous offenders on extended determinate sentences could apply for parole halfway through their sentence. This would change the current two-thirds rule but only if they earn “credits” through rehabilitation programs.
According to Mr Gauke, jail terms under 12 months should be reserved for rare circumstances. He urged greater use of deferred sentences for low-risk offenders with significant needs, including pregnant women.
He warned that greater financial support is required for probation services, particularly for tech solutions like electronic tagging.
Mr Gauke stated the reforms should help control prison numbers while lowering reoffending rates and ensuring victim protection.
He added,
“Taken as a package, these measures should ensure the government is never again in a position where it is forced to rely on the emergency release of prisoners. I urge the Lord Chancellor and prime minister to act with bravery in their response.”
What did Robert Jenrick say about cutting sentences for dangerous offenders?
Tory shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick stated,
“If Starmer proceeds with halving sentences for dangerous offenders like killers, rapists and paedophiles that would be a slap in the face for victims. These people must be properly punished and locked up so they can’t terrorise communities.”
He argued that deporting foreign criminals could ease prison overcrowding.
What did Sarah Olney and Josh Babarinde say about domestic abuse and sentencing reforms?
The Lib Dems welcomed the review’s adjustments after Mr Gauke accepted requests from justice spokesman Josh Babarinde to acknowledge domestic abuse in sentencing and from Sarah Olney’s demand to scrap the £1,000 fee for sentencing transcripts.
Mr Babarinde stated,
“Having grown up in a home where domestic abuse was rife, it means so much to have secured these wins from the government by working alongside them, fellow victims and survivors of abuse, and victim charities for many months.”
Ms Olney stated,
“A transcript of the judge’s sentencing remarks is essential in providing clarity and supporting victims. It is shocking that some victims have been cruelly charged thousands of pounds for a transcript about their own case- which is already traumatising enough.”
What did Sacha Hatchett say about managing offenders outside prison?
Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett at the National Police Chiefs Council stated,
“If we are going to have fewer people in prison, we need to ensure that we collectively have the resources and powers to manage the risk offenders pose outside of prison.”
What did the Shabana Mehmood spokesperson say about the sentencing review?
A spokesman for the justice secretary said,
“The government welcomes the Independent Sentencing Review’s report and thanks David Gauke and his fellow reviewers for their work.”
He added,
“The justice secretary will provide the government’s response in a statement to the House of Commons today.”
Ms Mehmood will confirm that probation funding will increase by up to £700 million by the end of the spending review, raising the budget from £1.4 billion.
She will likely support most proposals, with details to come in a sentencing bill. However, she is expected to oppose early parole for the most dangerous offenders.
What did the Magistrates’ Association say about the sentencing review’s fresh approach?
The Magistrates’ Association welcomed the review’s new stance on sentencing and approved the decision to limit jail terms under 12 months.
A statement stated,
“They are counter-productive for many offenders and rarely effective in reducing reoffending – which is why for magistrates, custody is already a last resort.”
Main suggestions from David Gauke’s sentencing review
- Custodial sentences under 12 months should only be used in exceptional circumstances.
- Allow suspended sentences to last up to three years.
- Encourage greater use of deferred sentences for low-risk offenders.
- Give courts more options to use fines, travel bans, driving bans, and football bans.
- Increase specialist courts to better support victims.
- Require electronic monitoring for all perpetrators of violence against women and girls (VAWG).
- Enhance education for judges, magistrates, and practitioners on VAWG issues.
- Change the law so judges must weigh victim protection equally with punishment and rehabilitation.