Murderers are among 1,000 violent criminals to be let out of prison so they can spend six-day festive break with their loved ones this year
- Over 1,000 killers, sex offenders, and drug dealers are expected to be let out
- Convicts will get mini-breaks with loved ones before returning to jail
- ‘Release on temporary licence’ scheme allows convicts to leave for rehabilitation
- Programme is designed to prepare them for an eventual return to normal life
More than 1,000 killers, sex offenders, violent criminals and drug dealers are expected to be let out of jail to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Around 1,100 were sent home mid-sentence for a festive break in 2018, with a similar number likely to walk free this year.
Convicts will have mini-breaks of up to six days with their loved ones over the holiday season before returning to prison to finish their sentences.
More than 1,000 killers, sex offenders, violent criminals and drug dealers are expected to be let out of jail to celebrate Christmas with their families (stock image)
But the move has angered justice campaigners, who say it is a kick in the teeth for victims and their relatives if those who commit some of the most serious crimes – including murder and rape – are freed.
Under the ‘release on temporary licence’ (ROTL) scheme, convicts are let out of open prison unsupervised as part of their rehabilitation.
The programme is designed to prepare them for an eventual return to normal life.
But David Spencer, research director at the Centre For Crime Prevention think-tank, said: ‘Without wanting to seem like a Scrooge, it is quite troubling that in excess of 1,000 inmates, many of whom are serving time for serious offences, will be allowed back into our communities over Christmas.
‘While there is a case for some inmates to be rewarded in such a way, these numbers seem excessive and would appear to pose a significant risk to public safety.’
Conservative MP Philip Davies, a former member of the Commons justice committee, said: ‘Letting criminals, including murderers, out for Christmas makes a mockery of the justice system. How on Earth must the victim’s family feel when their family member will never be able to be home for Christmas again? They must feel absolutely disgusted.
‘If these prisoners want to be at home for Christmas, then maybe they shouldn’t have committed a crime in the first place.’
The Prison Service insisted offenders faced a robust risk assessment before being considered for day release.
It said almost all offenders obeyed ROTL conditions such as curfews, restrictions on areas they can visit and who they can contact, with a compliance rate of more than 99 per cent.
A spokesman added: ‘The main purpose of ROTL is to facilitate the prisoner’s rehabilitation, to encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and take control of their lives in a socially acceptable way.
‘Consideration will be given to allowing prisoners to take ROTL to fit in with family celebrations and religious holidays of significance.’
The move has angered justice campaigners, who say it is a kick in the teeth for victims and their relatives if those who commit some of the most serious crimes – including murder and rape – are freed (stock image)
The scheme came under the spotlight in May 2014 when violent convict Michael ‘Skull-Cracker’ Wheatley fled from an open prison and stole £18,350 from a building society before being caught five days later.
Wheatley had been granted day release from Standford Hill prison on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent but failed to return.
He was jailed for life after admitting robbery, possessing a firearm and being unlawfully at large.