Last week, Gadd was caught on camera by a fellow resident trying to access the Dark Web—a secret online world often linked to illegal activity. This was a serious breach of his hostel rules.
Smartphone Access Sparks Licence Cancellation
While staying at the hostel, Gadd was allowed to use a monitored smartphone as part of his GPS-tagged probation conditions. Footage shows him chatting about “Dark Web” software with another resident while using the phone. His Probation Offender Manager swiftly acted, revoking his licence after consulting senior officers.
Back Behind Bars With Eight Years Left to Serve
Gadd was slapped with a standard recall, meaning he could serve the remaining eight years of his sentence in prison. Unlike fixed-term recalls—which last as little as 28 days—this recall keeps him locked up unless the Parole Board decides otherwise.
Parole Board Decision Looms
Now, Gadd has 10 working days to submit his case following his recall paperwork. The Parole Board must review his file within 28 days of his return to custody. If they overturn the recall, he could be back on the streets by Sunday, April 9.
The Parole Board has several options:
- Direct release back into the community
- Set a future release date within a year
- No release direction
- Hold an oral hearing to decide
Release will only happen if the Board believes Gadd’s risk of reoffending is manageable.
Probation Service on High Alert
“Protecting the public is our number one priority. That’s why we set tough licence conditions and when offenders breach them, we don’t hesitate to return them to custody,” said a Probation Service spokesperson.
