MOJ ready to block transfers to open prisons

SERIOUS criminals could be barred from being transferred to open prisons or released under plans to be announced by Dominic Raab.

The Justice Secretary is taking new powers to tell the Parole Board which offenders, including murderers, rapists, terrorists and child killers, he believes should not be moved to an open prison or released in advance of any decision.

He is also introducing laws that will make it easier for him to challenge any decision by the Parole Board to release a dangerous offender by widening the grounds on which he or the offender’s victims can appeal against it.

The law will be laid before Parliament today and take effect from July 21.

The moves come in advance of a wider legislative overhaul of the Parole Board later this year that will give ministers powers to block the release of dangerous criminals.

Mr Raab said: “We are overhauling the system, to make sure public protection is the overriding priority. I am making sure there is one crystal-clear recommendation from the Justice Secretary when it comes to the risk of release of the most serious offenders.”

The crackdown follows a series of high-profile controversies.

Under the new powers, Mr Raab will make recommendations about the release or transfer to open prison of serious offenders before the Parole Board makes its final decision. Sources said Mr Raab setting out his views in advance would provide a “double lock” on moves to open prisons.

The Ministry of Justice also confirmed yesterday that victims, members of the public and the media will from July 21 be able to ask for a parole hearing to be heard in public. It follows calls for greater transparency after the decision to release black cab rapist John Worboys in 2018.