Sex and Violent Offenders Freed by Mistake Under Early Release Scheme
The Ministry of Justice’s early release programme, designed to ease prison overcrowding during the Coronavirus crisis, has been suspended after six dangerous offenders were accidentally released.
Blunder at Open Prisons in Gloucestershire and Derbyshire
The inmates were mistakenly freed from two ‘open’ prisons – Leyhill in Gloucestershire and Sudbury in Derbyshire. Among those let out were sex offenders and violent criminals, raising serious safety concerns.
Officials Scramble to Fix Embarrassing Error
Officials insist the two high-risk prisoners were swiftly located and returned to custody. They claimed the inmates posed a low risk, but admitted the release was a “human error”.
The Prison Service confirmed it is reviewing and tightening procedures to prevent a repeat of this shambles.
Justice Secretary Faces Backlash Over Safety Checks
“Despite rigorous checks before inmates are freed, this mistake is deeply embarrassing,” said a source close to the Justice Secretary. “We are committed to making sure the public is kept safe.”
The bungled release has sparked outrage amongst campaigners and the public, who demand tougher safeguards and clear accountability.
