The United Kingdom has paused a new early release prison scheme following widespread public anger, particularly after it emerged that a fugitive child rapist, sentenced in his absence, could be eligible for early release even if apprehended.
Brian Green, 76, was sentenced in absentia to 22 years in 2024 for five counts of rape after fleeing the country on bail before his trial. He is believed to be in Thailand. His victim was notified by liaison officers that Green would be eligible for early release, even if caught, under the new policy, which was set to take effect on September 2. This revelation prompted outrage, with the victim stating, "This is not justice. How can this be right?"
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced an "urgent review" of the policy, stating that keeping the public safe is his top priority. He confirmed that no prisoners would be released under the scheme until the review is complete. Justice Secretary Alex Norris will lead the review, with the Prime Minister indicating a willingness to make significant changes if necessary.
The controversial scheme was designed to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons, with some offenders potentially being released after serving half of their sentence instead of the usual two-thirds. However, the policy has drawn criticism for potentially allowing dangerous criminals early freedom.
The decision to pause the scheme follows public outcry over the potential early release of two men convicted of the manslaughter of Police Constable Andrew Harper. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, who were passengers in a car that dragged PC Harper to his death in 2019, were sentenced to 13 years each. Under the new rules, they could have become eligible for release after serving half their sentences, a prospect described as "deplorable" by PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper.
Kemi Badenoch, a Member of Parliament, criticized the pause as insufficient, arguing that the scheme should permanently exempt killers, rapists, and child abusers. She pointed to a case where an inmate, Liam Matthews, was released early under a similar government scheme and subsequently involved in a murder just hours later. Matthews had been jailed for attacking another man and was released the morning before he joined others to kill 26-year-old Lewis Bell over a drug dispute.
Lissie Harper and Debbie Adlam, PC Harper's mother, have called for a thorough review of the early release policy, emphasizing that the issue affects many individuals beyond their personal tragedy. The Ministry of Justice has been approached for comment. The pause in the scheme is expected to create logistical challenges for officials working on release plans for thousands of inmates.