Labour released nearly 1,900 criminals from prison early in ONE day

by · Mail Online

At least 3,100 criminals have been freed under Labour's early release scheme so far, new data showed today.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) revealed 1,889 inmates were freed on first day of Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood's scheme in September.

And last month – when more serious offenders handed more than five years' imprisonment became eligible – a further 1,223 criminals were freed on the first day of the wider scheme.

However, the true total will be far higher because early releases have continued day by day, but are not included in the figures.

MoJ papers confirmed 'releases for both tranches continued after this date'.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) revealed 1,889 inmates were freed on first day of Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood's (pictured) scheme in September
People spray a man with sparkling wine after he walked out of HMP Nottingham on September 10 (file photo)
At least 3,100 criminals have been freed under Labour's early release scheme so far. (Inmates seen leaving HMP Prison Brixton on September 10)

Ms Mahmood said earlier this week that full figures will be published 'just after Christmas'.

After the scheme was launched the MoJ denied suggestions that tens of thousands of criminals a year would benefit from early release.

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Under the controversial programme known as SDS40 – designed to free up space in overcrowded jails - most lags will serve just 40 per cent of sentences handed down by the courts.

Some inmates will also be eligible to get an extra discount if they are eligible to be electronically tagged, meaning they can be freed after serving just a quarter of their sentence.

Offenders jailed for sex crimes, terrorism and serious violent crimes carrying more than four years' imprisonment are excluded from SDS40.

Ms Mahmood has said it will be in operation for 18 months until it is reviewed.

She accused the previous Conservative government – which freed 10,000 inmates early under a previous programme – of a 'dereliction of duty' for leaving the jails 'in chaos'.

Jailbirds partied in the street after being let out on the first day of Labour's scheme, including some who were sprayed with champagne and greeted by friends in luxury cars.

Freed criminals praised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and vowed to be lifelong Labour voters
Some inmates will also be eligible to get an extra discount if they are eligible to be electronically tagged. (An inmate leaving HMP Liverpool on September 10 under the scheme)
Men are seen leaving HMP Leyhill in Gloucestershire on the morning the government releases prisoners early in a second round of releases on October 22 
Former prisoners seen outside HM Prison Durham. Around 1,700 inmates are expected to be let out early in an attempt to ease overcrowding in prisons

Freed criminals praised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and vowed to be lifelong Labour voters.

Since SDS40 was introduced the number of prisoners in England and Wales has plummeted to the lowest level for 15 months.

On Monday there were 85,794 inmates, down 73 in a week, and the lowest figure since June last year.

The MoJ figures also showed there were 3,144 spare prison places on Monday, compared with 1,671 two weeks earlier.

Data published last week showed assaults on prison officers have hit a new high and reoffending rates have got worse.

There was also a new high in the number of freed criminals called back to jail, and a surge in the number of recalled offenders who are on the run.

The Mail disclosed in September that dozens of killers sentenced to less than four years' imprisonment for manslaughter were set to be released early under Labour's scheme.