Controversy Erupts as Government Stands by Early Release Program Following New Sexual Assault Charges

Government Justifies Early Prisoner Releases Amid Controversy

The government has come under scrutiny following the early release of prisoners, particularly after a former inmate was accused of sexually assaulting a woman on the very day he regained his freedom.

Case Overview: Amari Ward’s Release and Charges

Amari Ward, aged 31, was released from prison on Tuesday as part of a policy designed to alleviate overcrowding in correctional facilities. Shortly thereafter, he appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court facing charges of sexual assault and is scheduled to appear at Maidstone Crown Court next month.

According to court documents reviewed by the BBC, Ward allegedly “intentionally touched” an unwilling woman in Sittingbourne, Kent. He was apprehended later that day at a location in south London.

Following his arrest, Ward was charged with sexual assault and denied bail before being returned to prison on Thursday.

Ministry of Justice’s Position on Early Releases

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) defended the early release initiative by stating that it is essential due to inherited issues within the prison system that are pushing facilities towards collapse. The MoJ emphasized that individuals who violate their release conditions or commit new offenses would face consequences.

On Tuesday alone, approximately 1,750 inmates were released early from various prisons across England and Wales under this policy. This program allows certain prisoners to be freed after serving just 40% of their sentence instead of the traditional 50%.

While some inmates celebrated their newfound freedom with family and friends outside prison gates, others expressed concerns about potential homelessness upon release.

Background on Early Release Policies

This latest version of the early release scheme came into effect following July’s general election; however, prior measures had already been initiated by previous Conservative administrations aimed at reducing overcrowding in prisons.

Under this policy framework, individuals serving sentences shorter than four years for violent crimes may qualify for early discharge. Notably excluded from this scheme are those convicted of domestic violence or related offenses such as stalking or coercive control behaviors. Additionally, participants involved in riots during recent civil unrest will only remain incarcerated if they have received sentences exceeding four years for violent acts.

Crucially excluded from any form of early release are terrorists and sex offenders who will continue serving their full terms without exception.

Current Prison Population Statistics

As reported earlier this month, prisons have reached an unprecedented population level exceeding 88,500 inmates. Concerns have been raised regarding recidivism rates among those released; Martin Jones—HM Chief Inspector of Probation—has indicated there is a strong likelihood some individuals will reoffend post-release despite acknowledging that serious crimes remain infrequent but cannot be entirely ruled out.

Prison unions have voiced apprehensions about how these policies might affect victims’ safety and well-being. Napo—the probation union—issued warnings suggesting that releasing prisoners without thorough risk assessments merely shifts problems rather than resolving them effectively.

Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove also highlighted troubling instances where victims were not informed about the premature releases concerning offenders linked to crimes against them—a significant oversight given its implications for victim safety and support systems.

Recent government statistics revealed a slight decline in overall prison populations; as recorded last Friday there were approximately 86,333 individuals incarcerated across England and Wales—a reduction attributed partly to these new policies which aim to manage overcrowding while balancing public safety concerns effectively.