An absence of joined-up justice

This laxness has fuelled the culture of reoffending that has become endemic. Many hardened criminals regard jail as a "soft touch". And early release schemes mask policy failings over a growing shortage of prison places.

As such, it has contributed to a loss of public confidence, with many contending that the penal system no longer operates in the public interest.

This breach of trust will be further exacerbated by the admission that four inmates, in custody for a range of serious crimes involving burglary and violence, were released prematurely because of administrative errors.

It might – just – be understandable if this scandal was confined to one prison. However, it is not. The incidents in question happened at four separate establishments, prompting fears that the Prison Service is becoming inflicted with the same management failures which have

blighted so many other public bodies.

This must not be allowed to happen – given the cost and public safety implications. But, realistically, there should be no need for such a shambles.

Every inmate should have their own file. As well having details of their criminal past, it should have comprehensive details about the progress made while preparing for their release back into society. And there should be details, prominently, about the earliest date when a prisoner can be considered for release – a date that is regularly updated.

If this is followed, and simple checks followed, there should be absolutely no chance of prisoners being released by mistake.

And, furthermore, if the prisons had time to rehabilitate offenders, rather than paying "lip service" to their training needs, there may, potentially, be fewer serial offenders causing so much misery.

In short, these incidents must act as a wake-up call to the Prison Service and the Government.