Prisoners early release scheme splits Watford views

The government's new policy - which comes amid a scathing report into the state of prisons in England and Wales - will see some convicts released after serving 40 per cent of their sentence.

Anyone serving at least four years for violent crime, sex offences and domestic abuse will not be eligible, but some locals have still voiced concern over the policy.

Alice, 22, who works as a bartender in Watford, said: "I can understand both sides of the argument, but some people, me included, are afraid of what these people are still capable of."

However, Bushey resident Kevin conceded there was "not much else they [the government] could do" as prisons were bursting, a view echoed by council worker Martin Weedon, who said it was the "best option".

Kevin (left), and Martin Weedon, were sympathetic with the overcrowding problems. (Image: Newsquest)

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Not all crime victims were made aware of their offenders' early release date, the victims' commissioner for England and Wales said, warning that some victims may not have had the opportunity to seek "protective measures".

Retired Watford couple Richard Ralph and Susan Trap, 81 and 86 respectively, "completely disagreed" with the scheme. 

Susan said: "Who knows what these people are capable of? You can’t even go to the local park without being worried now - including my grandchildren - and that’s how bad this country’s got."

Richard added: "I’m totally against them all coming out, many of these people will go back within a week as they’ve got nowhere to go."

Richard Ralph (left) and Susan Trap completely disagreed with the new government scheme. (Image: Newsquest)

Eighteen-year-old Michael, who is a Sixth Form student in Croxley Green, was "worried" about the victims' families and said it would be "difficult" for those who are unsure where their perpetrators are.

The scheme comes as a damning government report was released this week stating how "many prisons are severely overcrowded and understaffed", with "woeful provision of education, training or work".

Inspectors found "a surge in illicit drug use, self-harm and violence" - rather than prisoners participating in activities to reduce their risk of reoffending.

The Ministry of Justice said eligibility for the scheme was based on the offence, not the offender. 

Which prisoners will be released? 

Eligible prisoners who have served 40 per cent of their fixed-term sentence, rather than 50 per cent, will be automatically released.

Those who are in jail for serious violent offences with sentences of four years or more, as well as sex offenders, are not eligible.

Anyone released will be monitored by the Probation Service and this could involve the use of electronic tagging and curfews.