Local MP, Lucy Allan has welcomed the announcement by the Prime Minister to commission an urgent review of sentencing policy, to consider whether rules should be changed to ensure violent and sexual offenders are serving the sentences they deserve.
The review which will beginning immediately will look at whether a change in the law is needed so that criminals cannot be released early. It will also examine how we can break the vicious cycle of prolific, repeat offenders.
Lucy Allan has previously raised her concerns with the Justice Minister and former Prime Minister about automatic early release for serious sexual offences. This followed the early release of former leader of a child sexual exploitation gang, Mubarek Ali. Ali was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2013, following a lengthy police operation. He was entitled to automatic early release on licence in November 2017, less than five years later. He was recalled to prison shortly after for breaching his licence terms.
This review forms part of the Government’s efforts to crack down on crime, recruiting 20,000 new police officers, creating 10,000 new prison places and increasing stop and search powers.
Lucy Allan said:
“This announcement is hugely welcome. It shows the Prime Minister’s commitment to strengthening sentencing rules, giving victims and the public greater confidence in the justice system.
“It is wrong that offenders convicted of heinous crimes, such as Mubarek Ali, can automatically receive a reduced sentence, without even needing to go before a parole board. The Ali case made a mockery of our justice system. It undermined trust and confidence and was an insult to victims. I am so pleased to have had the platform to raise this issue in Parliament and to call for a change in the law.
“It is so welcome that the Prime Minister is listening to the concerns raised and is taking prompt action.”
