Automatic release for sex & violent offenders ditched
SERIOUS violent and sexual offenders are set to spend longer behind bars after rules which allow them to be automatically released half way through a jail sentence are scrapped from today.
Criminals convicted of crimes such as rape, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm will have to serve at least two thirds of their prison sentence before being allowed out on licence.
The rules will apply to relevant sentences handed down on or after today. Ministers said the changes are being made to ensure that punishment reflects the severity of the crime. They said the laws are part of an “extensive overhaul to the criminal justice system” which will allow for a “greater period of rehabilitation in prison” before offenders are released.
The new rules apply to offenders handed a standard determinate sentence of seven years or more where the maximum penalty is life.
In 2018, there were more than 4,000 sentences imposed for sexual and violent offences carrying the maximum life penalty.
Typically, lags are automatically released on licence half way into a jail term. The most dangerous offenders, such as murderers, can already be given life sentences which may mean they will never released.
The move comes after the Parole Board sparked outrage by approving taxi rapist John Worboys for release after he had been jailed indefinitely in 2009 for horrific sex attacks on women. His planned release for January 2018 was quashed following a legal challenge.