UK To Release 5,500 Prisoners In Two Months To Curb Overcrowding

Published

4 weeks ago

September 11, 2024

To alleviate overcrowding, the UK government plans to release approximately 5,500 prisoners in England and Wales.

An initial 1,700 detainees are expected to be freed, followed by additional releases in September and October, according to BBC reports.

As of September 6, the UK Ministry of Justice reported a total of 88,521 prisoners in England and Wales.

This measure aims to reduce pressure on the prison system, which has been operating at near full capacity.

The “usable operational capacity” — the total number of people a prison can hold while taking into account issues like control and security — was 89,619, leaving spare capacity of just 1,098 places.

This is well above the prison service’s own measure of a “good, decent standard of accommodation”, which was 79,856 at the end of July.

Jonathan Reynolds, UK secretary of state for business and trade, told Sky News that the “emergency decision” had to be made because the previous government could not manage the justice system.

“Of all the scandals we inherited, I think the prison system, the justice system, is probably the worst of all,” he said.

Martin Jones, chief inspector of probation, told BBC radio that the pressure on prisons was “extreme”.

“It’s the highest population we’ve ever seen in this country. Prisons are absolutely close to 100 percent capacity”.

Prisoners who have served only 40 percent of their fixed term sentence, rather than the usual 50 percent, will be automatically released.

However, those who are in jail for serious violent offences with sentences of four years or more, as well as sex offenders, are not included.

The scheme also excludes those convicted of domestic abuse and what the government calls “connected crimes”, such as stalking and controlling or coercive behaviours.

More serious offenders serving life sentences, for example, will only be released after the Parole Board has assessed whether they still pose a risk.

Anyone released will be monitored by the probation service and this could involve the use of electronic tagging and curfews.

Post Views: 101

Up Next

Regulatory, Compliance Costs Hindering Growth Of Banking Sector — Tony Elumelu

Don't Miss

Police Nab 18-Yr-Old Adeyemi For ‘Raping 6-Yr-Old Girl’ In Lagos

Click to comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

President Tinubu Congratulates Dele Alake On 68th Birthday

Published

5 hours ago

October 5, 2024

PorscheClassy News

President Bola Tinubu congratulates the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, on his 68th birthday.

President Tinubu celebrates his long-time ally, buddy, brother and invaluable partner for his support throughout his political journey as Senator, Governor of Lagos State, Presidential candidate and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The President says he cherishes working closely and collaboratively with Alake in more than three decades.

The President thanks Alake for his candid counseling and unwavering support, which have provided invaluable guidance during challenging times in public office.

He notes that Alake’s staying power in the various roles he has handled in his lifetime has been rooted in his honesty, passion, tact, determination and exceptional public relations.

President Tinubu is confident that the Minister will continue to uphold his high standards of excellence in service to the nation.

He joins family, friends, and well-wishers in offering prayers for Alake’s continued success and well-being.

Post Views: 23

BIG STORY

Local Government Election Holds In Rivers Despite Police Absence [PHOTOS]

Published

11 hours ago

October 5, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The local government election in Rivers State is currently underway, notwithstanding the notable absence of police personnel to oversee the process.

Sources reveal that sensitive materials have been successfully distributed across various local government areas.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains resolute in his determination to conduct the election, despite escalating tensions within the state.

Post Views: 61

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Explosion Rocks Rivers APC Secretariat As Local Government Poll Holds

Published

16 hours ago

October 5, 2024

PorscheClassy News

An explosion occurred at the Tony Okocha-led secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, located along Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Saturday, October 5, 2024, during the local government election.

The explosion damaged the gate and doors of the secretariat, along with other property. According to Tony Okocha, Chairman of the APC faction in Rivers State, “About 3:20am some gun-trotting young men with their explosives and all that, came here and dropped the first explosive,” but when it did not detonate, “they came back the second time to burn the structure – look at the security house is gone.”

Okocha alleged that the attack was politically motivated, accusing Governor Siminalayi Fubara of responsibility. He stated, “It was deliberate to see how they can annihilate us, it is deliberate to see how they can embarrass us, it is deliberate to see how they can decimate us.”

Despite the incident, accreditation and voting have commenced in several polling centres around Port Harcourt City.

More to come…

Post Views: 73