Morning Star
LONDON — Campaigners attacked the government yesterday after it said that more than 500 prisoners are to be released halfway through their sentences in an effort to free space in overcrowded jails.
The Ministry of Justice authorised the measure as the prison population of England and Wales passed 83,000 for the first time.
The early release plans centre on 550 non-violent and non-sexual offenders serving over four years.
But ex-offenders’ organisation Unlock said: “This kind of move undermines the judges who passed their sentences under the legislation in force at the time.”
Prison Officers Association chairman Colin Moses warned that suspected criminals might be going free because there are not enough cells to house them.
“I often ask myself how many custodial warrants are outstanding because, as a prison place is available, a prisoner appears.
“Are the public really safe or are the police only executing warrants dependent on prison and police cell spaces?”
The Ministry of Justice said that offenders could be brought back to jail at any time.
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