oct 22, 2024 - Prisoners Freed Early to Ease Overcrowding

Description:

The government is releasing 1,100 more prisoners early, as part of its emergency plan to ease overcrowding in jails in England and Wales.

Offenders serving more than five years are being released on licence after spending 40% of their time behind bars, a scheme that excludes those convicted of serious violence, sex crimes and terrorism.

The second tranche of emergency releases since September comes as ministers launch a major review of sentencing with a focus on new forms of punishment outside of jails.

The review aims to reduce overcrowding and could lead to judges having powers to sentence people to "prison outside prison" with a form of house arrest.

Added to timeline:

Date: