Killers could serve shorter jail terms for good behaviour in radical overhaul of sentencing, justice minister signals
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Prison overhaul could see killers get early release for good behaviour
- To address prison overcrowding, the justice secretary is considering a Texas-style system where good behaviour could lead to shorter sentences, even for serious offences.
- Shabana Mahmood acknowledged that building more prisons alone won't solve the overcrowding crisis, as prisons are currently at almost full capacity.
- A Government-commissioned review of sentencing is exploring this and other measures, with potential legislative changes to follow in spring.
- It comes after the Government resorted to emergency measures, releasing prisoners early, only to see capacity quickly fill up again.
- A new 1,500-cell prison, HMP Millsike, has opened with advanced security and rehabilitation facilities, aiming to reduce reoffending rates.