The United Kingdom has begun releasing convicted criminals from prison in a bid to alleviate “overcrowding.” Started earlier week, the program is already under scrutiny after an inmate was re-arrested on suspicion of rape just moments after being set free from Wandsworth Prison in south-west London.
The 28-year-old man, who had just been released as part of the scheme to reduce prison crowding, was taken into custody by waiting police officers, with the Metropolitan Police confirming that he was arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, and a racially aggravated public order offense.
“A 28-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and a racially/religiously aggravated public order offence,” a Met spokesperson stated to the Mail Online. “He was taken to a south London police station before being bailed pending further enquiries in relation to the allegation of rape.”
Introduced by newly-elected left-wing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the early release initiative had sparked controversy before the prisoners had even started being released. But the re-arrest of the 28-year-old renews questions about the vetting process for early release selections and why an individual facing such serious allegations was considered for the program.
This incident occurred against a backdrop of celebratory scenes outside prisons across Britain, as approximately 1,700 inmates were released early. At Wandsworth, other freed prisoners were greeted by friends and family, with one group marking the occasion by spraying sparkling wine.
In Newcastle, the mother of Gordon Gault, a 14-year-old victim of a fatal machete attack, expressed renewed grief upon learning that one of her son’s killers is set for early release just six months into his sentence from Keir Starmer’s initiative.
Authorities are now facing mounting pressure to explain their selection criteria for early release and to address concerns about public safety.
The Ministry of Justice has yet to comment on the specific incident at Wandsworth or on broader criticisms of the program.
