Straw ends prison early release

Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced yesterday that a rise in prison places meant it

was now "safe" to do away with the end of custody licence scheme.

In a Commons statement, he said the scheme had been introduced as a "temporary measure" and no prisoners would be released under it from April 10.

Shadow Justice Secretary Dominic Grieve welcomed the move in principle, saying the Tories had been calling for an end to the "reckless" policy.

He said the consequence of the Government's "failure" on prison places was to release 80,000 criminals early, including 15,000 violent offenders and two terrorists.

"Those released went on to commit 1,500 crimes, including several rape and murder offences."

Mr Straw said prisoners eligible for release under the scheme on or before March 12 would be let out of prison.

Prisoners notified of release dates up to and including April 9 would also be released but no further prisoners would be released under the scheme from that date.

With the number of prison places now increased to more than 86,000, it was safe to end the scheme.