2024-09-15 13:19:30
A man who was released from prison under the British government’s early release scheme sexually assaulted a woman on the day of his release, reported PA media, quoted by BTA.
The inmate was released as part of a policy aimed at easing prison overcrowding. He was released on the first day of the implementation of this measure on Tuesday.
He allegedly returned to criminal behavior in the southeastern town of Sittingbourne “on the same day he was released,” according to court documents seen by PA Media. He was later arrested at an address in South London.
He appeared in court on Thursday and was charged with sexual assault and is due to appear at the Crown Court next month. The man was put back behind bars.
The policy provides for a temporary reduction in the sentences some prisoners have to serve behind bars, amid government warnings that prisons are being pushed to “collapse point”.
Around 1,750 prisoners were released early on Tuesday from prisons in England and Wales. Offenders serving sentences of less than four years in prison for violent crimes, including manslaughter, are among those who can be released under the scheme.