Summary: We are stopping the release of the most serious violent and sexual offenders at the half way point of their sentence.
- We believe that the worst offenders should serve most of their sentence in prison rather than be automatically released only half way through their sentence.
- We are ending Labour’s policy of releasing those serious criminals automatically half way through and instead requiring them to serve two thirds of their sentence in prison with the other one third under strict licence condition.
- By ensuring offenders spend longer in prison, and through our wider measures to strengthen the police and criminal justice system, we are protecting the public and making sure justice is done.
Background
- Over 90 per cent of people currently sent to prison are automatically released at the half way point of their sentence – including some of the most serious and violent offenders. For example, a violent offender sentenced to 10 years in prison will be automatically released after only 5 years.
Our solution
- We are making sure the most serious violent and sexual offenders now serve more of their sentence they are given in prison. We are changing the law so that offenders guilty of the most serious violent and sexual crimes and those who are sentenced to at least four years in prison will no longer be released halfway through their sentence but instead will be required to serve two thirds of that sentence in prison.
- On release, they will be subject to tough licence conditions to ensure the public are kept safe. If they break those conditions they will be recalled to prison.
Conservative record
- The Prime Minister has announced an urgent review of sentencing to ensure the public are properly protected from the most dangerous criminals. This will focus on whether violent and sexual offenders are serving the right sentences and consider whether changes are needed to lock criminals up for longer.
- We are extending the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme so more victims can challenge the sentences offenders receive. Criminals convicted of stalking, harassment, child sexual abuse and other sex offences could see their sentences increased if victims or the public think their punishment is too lenient.
Q: Why have early release at all? Why not require criminals to serve their whole sentence?
Because this would endanger the public. If violent or sexual criminals are released after serving their whole sentence, there would be no conditions on them. This would make it impossible to track and monitor them. With early release at two thirds, strict license conditions can be imposed and this allows for a phased and safe return to the community.
