The family of a 13-year-old boy killed in a hit-and-run incident has expressed devastation over the impending early release of the perpetrator, Harley Whiteman, as part of a UK government initiative to alleviate prison capacity issues. Kaylan Hippsley's mother, Craig, criticized the policy, stating that while she understands the need to address prison overcrowding, it should not come at the expense of victims' families.
"Harley Whiteman will come out, he'll have the rest of his life to live. But Kaylan was only 13," Craig said, emphasizing the perceived injustice of the situation. She added, "I want them to take that into consideration when they're making these decisions. It's just wrong."
The family has initiated a petition urging for Whiteman's early release to be denied. They had previously promised Kaylan that they would secure justice for him.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice defended the government's policy, explaining that blocking early releases could lead to prisons reaching full capacity, a scenario that could cripple law enforcement and judicial functions. "If that happened, police could not make arrests, courts could not remand offenders and there would be unchecked criminality on our streets," the spokesperson stated.
The ministry asserts that the government is actively working to increase prison capacity, building new places at a rate not seen since the Victorian era. Additionally, the government is expanding the use of tagging for community punishments and enhancing support for victims, including giving them a voice in setting the strict license conditions for released offenders. "We are pulling every lever to protect the public and cut crime," the spokesperson added.
