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Early release inmates on the run Early release inmates on the run
(about 2 hours later)
More than 100 prisoners freed under an early-release scheme are on the run after being told to come back to jail, Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures show.More than 100 prisoners freed under an early-release scheme are on the run after being told to come back to jail, Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures show.
Under the scheme, introduced last summer to ease overcrowding, 36,661 inmates have been let out early, with 2,486 of these released in August 2008. Under the scheme, introduced last summer to ease overcrowding, 36,661 inmates have been let out early.
But 1,244 were recalled for breaking their licenses, and 111 of these are still on the run, the MoJ told the BBC. Since the End of Custody Licence (ECL) scheme began, some 1,244 were recalled for breaking their licenses, 111 of which are still at large, the MoJ said.
Only those serving between four weeks and four years can be freed early.Only those serving between four weeks and four years can be freed early.
Among those release last month were 60 robbers, more than 200 burglars and 100 people convicted of drugs offences. The most recent figures show that in August 2008, early release was given to 2,486 inmates.
End of Custody Licence (ECL) allows prisoners serving up to four years to be released 18 days early. Among those released last month were 60 robbers, more than 200 burglars and 100 people convicted of drugs offences.
ECL allows prisoners serving up to four years to be released 18 days early.
Ministers predicted 25,500 prisoners would be released in the first year, but the actual number was 31,500.Ministers predicted 25,500 prisoners would be released in the first year, but the actual number was 31,500.
An MoJ spokesman said: "The numbers released and our projections for the total number of releases over a year are broadly in line with the numbers we originally expected."An MoJ spokesman said: "The numbers released and our projections for the total number of releases over a year are broadly in line with the numbers we originally expected."
Those who cannot be released early under the scheme include anyone who has committed a sexual offence that requires them to sign the sex offenders register, murderers, people convicted of serious assault, child cruelty and explosives offences.Those who cannot be released early under the scheme include anyone who has committed a sexual offence that requires them to sign the sex offenders register, murderers, people convicted of serious assault, child cruelty and explosives offences.
One sex offender was released in August under the scheme, but his crime was not serious enough for him to have been entered on the sex offenders register.One sex offender was released in August under the scheme, but his crime was not serious enough for him to have been entered on the sex offenders register.