Serious violent and sexual criminals will face more time behind bars under Government plans to better protect the public and restore confidence in the justice system
Legislation brought before Parliament today (22 January) will end the automatic half-way release for offenders sentenced for crimes such as rape, manslaughter and GBH. Instead, they will be made to spend two-thirds of their sentence in prison, before being subject to strict licence conditions upon release.
The changes follow yesterday’s announcement of tougher sentences for the most serious terrorist offenders and will apply to anyone handed a standard determinate sentence of seven years or more, where the maximum penalty is life. The most dangerous offenders already face life sentences and may never be released.
Justice Secretary & Lord Chancellor, Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP, said:
Since 2005 the majority of these criminals serve what is known as ‘standard determinate sentences’ and are released automatically at the half-way point, serving the second half of their sentence in the community. The Government will change the release point to two-thirds for certain serious offenders which will allow for a greater period of rehabilitation in prison as they prepare to resettle into the community.
The move is part of an overhaul of the criminal justice system which will see 20,000 new police officers, an extra 10,000 prison places and a new Sentencing Bill to ensure the most serious offenders spend longer in jail. The reforms include yesterday’s announcement of tougher sentences for the most serious terrorist offenders.