Nearly 9,000 victims of serious sexual and violent crimes have been informed that the offenders who harmed them will be released from prison earlier than previously scheduled, starting September 2. The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has sent letters to 8,711 victims enrolled in its victim contact scheme, notifying them of the changes under new government legislation aimed at easing prison overcrowding.
The early release adjustments apply to offenders convicted of serious crimes such as rape, manslaughter, grievous bodily harm, and sexual offences against children. Under the revised rules, some offenders may be eligible for release halfway through their sentences instead of after serving two-thirds, provided they have not committed any serious disciplinary breaches while incarcerated. Those convicted of less serious crimes may be freed after serving as little as one-third of their sentence, rather than the current requirement of 40%.
The MoJ has acknowledged that receiving news of an offender’s early release “may be difficult” and recognizes “the lasting impact the offence may have had” on victims. However, the letters were only sent to those who had opted into the victim contact scheme, which is thought to cover about half of the eligible population. As a result, the total number of victims affected by the early release changes is likely higher.
The early release plan has drawn criticism from opposition politicians and victims’ advocates. Nick Timothy, the shadow justice secretary, described the scheme as a threat to public safety, calling on the government to exempt sex offenders from early release. He said each letter represented a victim who had been “let down and traumatised” by the decision.
Among those opposed is Jade Belgrove, a survivor of childhood grooming and rape, who publicly condemned the early release plans, asserting they endanger women and children. Belgrove, who waived her anonymity, has gathered more than 78,000 signatures on a petition demanding that violent sex offenders be excluded from the reforms. Similarly, Fiona Goddard, a victim of a rape gang, was notified that seven of her abusers are being considered for early release.
Government officials have confirmed that the early release scheme includes offenders convicted of rape and domestic abuse. Lord Timpson, the prisons minister, explained that releasing such offenders early is a measure taken to ensure adequate prison space. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman acknowledged that the recalculation of release dates is ongoing, and the number of offenders and victims affected may change.
The government has pledged to provide more details to victims by the end of August as the process continues. However, the controversy highlights tensions between managing prison populations and addressing the concerns and safety of victims and the public.