Overhaul of parole board could halt release of offenders

A SHAKE-UP of the parole board promised by Dominic Raab could see criminals forced to prove they are not a risk to the public in order to be released.

The Justice Secretary hinted yesterday that he wanted to end the parole board’s presumption in favour of release unless offenders posed a risk.

Instead, he signalled it could be reversed to adopt a more precautionary approach where it was presumed they remain in prison if that was judged a safer option.

His comments in his first appearance before the Commons’ justice committee followed the recall to prison of double child murderer Colin Pitchfork for “concerning” behaviour that included approaching young girls in the street.

He said: “For high-risk cases ... one of the interesting things I want to address is that effectively the presumption drives in the direction of release unless it is demonstrated there is a risk. I think there is a good question about whether the presumption should be that way.”

A review of the parole board is underway that could also see it renamed to refocus it on public protection, and greater transparency with hearings open to victims and the public.