Changes overdue

CHANGES to the parole system are due to kick in next year.

Opening up hearings to the public should make justice more accessible and help people understand the process.

This week, double murderer Colin Pitchfork was arrested again. Just two months ago, he was released from jail. Now, although he has not committed an offence, his behaviour and attitude have been enough to cause concerns for the Probation Service.

The changes cannot come soon enough. Rehabilitation is one thing but if we can’t guarantee the public’s safety when people are released, it calls the whole system into question.