Bail system is putting victims 'at risk'

Victims of serious crimes are being left at risk because too many suspects are released by police without restrictions, watchdogs have found.

A joint report by the police and courts watchdogs found that, of 140 cases examined across six forces, 62 saw a suspect released under investigation when they should have been bailed.

Under the system, introduced in 2017, most suspects are released under investigation – with no restrictions put in place – rather than bailed, where release conditions are imposed.

A critical report by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, said: "We found that, many times, suspects who we thought should have been bailed were instead released under investigation. In 62 of the 140 cases our inspectors judged that bail with conditions should have been used to offer more protection for the victim.

"These cases included domestic abuse, sexual offences and offences against children - serious crimes. This is extremely worrying.”

The changes to the bail system were made after concern over the amount of time suspects were being left on bail and the watchdogs said they were brought in without enough consideration of how victims would be affected, and without proper guidance for police. The National Police Chiefs Council said senior officers had raised concerns about the effect the changes would have on victims at the time they were made.

A Home Office statement said: "The Home Secretary launched a consultation earlier this year on pre-charge bail. We will carefully consider the findings of this report.”