For di second time dis month, di UK government de release early another batch of over 1,000 prisoners to help reduce di chronic overcrowding inside their prisons. Dis decision come as part of a broader plan to review sentencing and ensure dat prison space de available for dangerous offenders.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood explain say di early release scheme no be di first, as last month, about 1,700 prisoners were freed early. However, she admit say dem make mistake before when 37 ineligible prisoners were erroneously released, but she promise say dem don fix di problem now.
Di review of sentencing go consider tougher non-custodial punishments for some convicted criminals. Dey include using “nudge” technology like watches or apps to encourage offenders comply with conditions, and home detention curfews. Non-violent offenders who comply with certain conditions can now be released after serving 40 per cent of their sentence instead of di usual 50 per cent.
Former Justice Secretary David Gauke, who de chair di review, say di prison population, which de around 89,000, de increase by 4,500 each year. He also mention say 90 per cent of those sentenced to custody de reoffenders. Gauke argue before say jail terms of six months or less no de effective, except for violent and sexual crimes.
Mahmood reveal say di new Labour government inherit a prison system from di last Conservative government dat was close to “collapse” and could have led to “di breakdown of law and order in dis country”. In August, dem were left with fewer than 100 places across di whole country.
