Prisoners walk out the gates of HMP Pentonville after being released in London, Britain, 10 September 2024. Around 1,750 prisoners are set to be released early on 10 September as part of a government release scheme to ease the overcrowding in the prisons of England and Wales. According to UK government figures released on 06 September 2024, there are 88,521 inmates serving prison sentences in England and Wales, the highest level on record. EPA-EFE/TOLGA AKMEN Around 1,750 convicts were freed this month as part of a government scheme that made some prisoners eligible for release after serving 40% of their sentences behind bars, down from 50%. Thousands more are expected to be let out.
A justice ministry spokesperson said in a statement, confirming a report by the Daily Mirror newspaper on Wednesday, that a very small number of offenders, charged incorrectly and sentenced under outdated legislation, had been released wrongly.
"The convictions remain valid with offenders monitored since their release and they will soon be back behind bars," the spokesperson said. "Public safety is our first priority."
A total of 37 prisoners in jail for breaching restraining orders were incorrectly released but a majority are already back in prison. Five offenders have not yet been returned to jail.
The ministry said the charges against the 37 were brought and progressed through the court under old legislation incorrectly, meaning the sentences were not identified as being ineligible for the early release scheme.
Britain has western Europe's highest rate of incarceration, and faces a crisis as tougher sentencing laws and long delays in the justice system have fuelled a growing prison population.
After taking office in July, Britain's Labour government said prisons could be full within weeks and early release was needed.
Prisoners serving sentences for serious violent offences of four years or more were excluded from the scheme.
(Reporting by Catarina Demony; Additional reporting by Muvija M; Editing by Andrew Heavens)