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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| 31,500 prisoners released early | 31,500 prisoners released early |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| More than 31,500 criminals were freed early in England and Wales in the first year of a scheme to free up overcrowded jails, official figures show. | More than 31,500 criminals were freed early in England and Wales in the first year of a scheme to free up overcrowded jails, official figures show. |
| The Ministry of Justice had previously forecast that the project would see 25,500 released during that period. | The Ministry of Justice had previously forecast that the project would see 25,500 released during that period. |
| Under the scheme, criminals are freed up to 18 days early. | Under the scheme, criminals are freed up to 18 days early. |
| Among the 31,549 people released were nearly 6,000 violent offenders, eight sex offenders, two convicted terrorists and 739 robbers. | Among the 31,549 people released were nearly 6,000 violent offenders, eight sex offenders, two convicted terrorists and 739 robbers. |
| 'Incompetent' | 'Incompetent' |
| Almost 100 of the prisoners freed under the scheme remain on the run after being recalled to jail, the figures show. | Almost 100 of the prisoners freed under the scheme remain on the run after being recalled to jail, the figures show. |
| The "end-of-custody licence" programme applies only to those serving sentences of between four months and four years. | The "end-of-custody licence" programme applies only to those serving sentences of between four months and four years. |
| Shadow justice secretary Nick Herbert said: "This incompetent government is failing in its most basic duty to protect the public. | Shadow justice secretary Nick Herbert said: "This incompetent government is failing in its most basic duty to protect the public. |
| "They refused to provide the necessary jail places and now they have released over 31,500 prisoners early on to the streets in a single year, including thousands of violent offenders... | "They refused to provide the necessary jail places and now they have released over 31,500 prisoners early on to the streets in a single year, including thousands of violent offenders... |
| "This appalling policy should be scrapped immediately." | "This appalling policy should be scrapped immediately." |
| Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman David Howarth said: "The government's obsession with sounding tough has led to a prison overcrowding crisis completely of its own making. | |
| "In desperation they have released over 31,500 criminals early, yet our prisons remain full to bursting. | |
| "Instead of releasing dangerous offenders early, ministers must look at more effective forms of sentencing, such as restorative justice." | |
| The prison population has risen sharply since the end of 2007, and last month exceeded 83,000 for the first time. | The prison population has risen sharply since the end of 2007, and last month exceeded 83,000 for the first time. |
| In February, Justice Secretary Jack Straw called on magistrates courts to use more community punishments. | In February, Justice Secretary Jack Straw called on magistrates courts to use more community punishments. |
| The government has promised to provide 2,500 extra prison places in 2008. | The government has promised to provide 2,500 extra prison places in 2008. |