New approach Victims may get recent photos of offender

The Parole Board last night welcomed the Government’s wide-ranging review and suggested a new system in which victims could be shown recent photographs of prisoners before they are released.

In a statement the Parole Board said the review was necessary to restore public confidence in the workings of the parole system. “Justice needs to be seen to be done and the Canadian model for victim contact could provide a good starting point.”

Under the Canadian system, victims are told where an offender will be living, the release date, and given a recent photograph, unless the disclosure would affect public safety.

The victims are also alerted a minimum of 14 days before release.

The Parole Board defended its decision to grant Worboys parole. But it has also expressed frustration that current rules prevent it from revealing more details about its conclusion that Worboys no longer posed a danger.