'Automatic' Release Of Extreme Criminals Scrapped

The "automatic" release of criminals convicted of rape or attempted rape of a child or terrorism offences is being scrapped under new regulations introduced by the government.

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said the automatic release of such prisoners at the half-way point of their sentence will no longer be possible under the new measures.

Criminals who receive the new Extended Determinate Sentence (EDS) will no longer be released automatically two-thirds of the way into their custodial sentence.

These criminals will now only be released before the end of their custodial term under strict conditions at the discretion of the independent Parole Board.

Before the Parole Board releases any criminal they must be convinced they "no longer pose a threat to society and that they have engaged with, and continue to engage with, their own rehabilitation."

Justice Secretary Chris Grayling said: "It’s outrageous that offenders who commit some truly horrific crimes in this country are automatically released from prison halfway through their custodial sentence, regardless of their behaviour, attitude and engagement in their own rehabilitation.

"This government is on the side of people who play by the rules and want to get on. We need to teach criminals a lesson; you will be punished for your crime and you must earn your release, it is not an automatic right."

The changes are likely affect around 600 criminals per year, the government said.

The changes to automatic half-way release will apply to criminals who receive a determinate sentence for selected offences against children under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, including rape of a child, and a range of terrorism offences including possession of an article for terrorist purposes, inciting terrorism overseas and preparation of terrorist acts.

(IT/MH)