Plans to use mandatory chemical castration on serious sexual offenders after prison review
Violent criminals could be released from prison early under new plan
- A review suggests that sex offenders and violent criminals could be released on parole after serving half their sentences as part of a plan to address prison overcrowding.
- Well-behaved prisoners with sentences under four years could be released after a third of their term.
- The sentencing review, from former Justice Secretary David Gauke, recommends greater investment in probation and alternatives to custody.
- Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is also considering mandatory chemical castration for serious sex offenders.
- The proposals have sparked debate, with some criticising what they see as leniency towards dangerous offenders while others welcomed the focus on rehabilitation and reducing reoffending.