A source from the Ministry of Justice has said that 37 people released under the government’s emergency early prison release scheme were released by mistake.
The source told the media that these 37 people released on the 10th of September should not have been as their breaching restraining order offences were not logged correctly and because of this, they were offered early release when they instead should have been exempt. Five of the 37 have not yet been returned to custody.
One person reportedly reoffended and was recalled.
The emergency move from the government was used as a plan to cut prison overcrowding and close to 1,700 prisoners were released on the 10th September alone.
Some MPs have criticised the plan, citing safety concerns and poor planning.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice spokesperson said, “Public safety is our first priority. That is why we took decisive action to fix the broken prison system we inherited and keep the most dangerous offenders locked up. This included blocking the early release of domestic abuse offences such as stalking and controlling behaviour.
“We are working with the police to urgently return a very small number of offenders – who were charged incorrectly and sentenced under repealed legislation – to custody. The convictions remain valid with offenders monitored since their release and will soon be back behind bars.”