1,750 inmates released amid overcrowding crisis

More than 5,000 prisoners, including violent offenders, will be freed early over the next six weeks under plans designed to ease the overcrowding crisis in jails, with the first 1,750 inmates who have served 40% of their sentences to be freed from jails across England and Wales today. Critics, including Baroness Newlove, argue that this scheme is distressing for victims who expect offenders to serve their full sentences. Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner for London, has warned that many victims will face a “horrible shock” upon discovering their attackers’ release dates. Dame Diana Johnson, the policing minister, insists plans would be put in place to avoid reoffending by domestic abusers and other high-risk criminals, while Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has defended the initiative, emphasising the need for immediate action to prevent a collapse of the criminal justice system. Separately, Mark Fairhurst of the Prison Officers Association, said the plan would create “breathing space” in overcrowded jails but warned: “There are no guarantees when we release anyone that they won’t reoffend.” Meanwhile, with the Ministry of Justice only providing accommodation for 12 weeks, some critics have voiced concern that many released offenders may end up homeless, potentially leading them back to crime.