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Murder

Murder Rate Soars Among Offenders on Probation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Criminals on probation have committed nearly 100 murders over the past two years, sparking widespread criticism of the Home Office's handling of offenders on parole. The surge in violent crimes comes as the number of prisoners released on parole who committed further serious offences rose by 39% last year. Meanwhile, the probation service is struggling to cope with the caseload of over 220,000 offenders, with nearly 14,000 being deemed high-risk to the public.

Key Takeaways:

  • In the past two years, nearly 100 murders have been committed by offenders on probation, with 38 killers striking while on licence last year and 60 in 2004.
  • The number of murderers released on parole has increased significantly, from 24 in 2000 to 29 in 2003 and 38 in 2005.
  • Rapes committed by those on parole or probation have also risen dramatically, from 18 in 1999 to 106 over the two-year period.
  • A total of 614 convictions for further serious offences were recorded among offenders on licence, including murder, attempted murder, rape, and armed robbery.
  • Around 0.6% of high-risk offenders, considered to be poses a risk to the public, were involved in another serious offence, including the killers of 16-year-old Mary-Ann Leneghan and city financier John Monckton.
  • The probation service is monitoring 220,000 offenders, with 14,000 being considered high-risk to the public.
  • The number of prisoners released on parole who were recalled to jail last year increased by 39% compared to 2004.

Statistics:

  • 99 murders committed by offenders on probation over the past two years
  • 38 killers on licence in 2005
  • 60 murders committed by offenders on parole in 2004
  • A 39% increase in prisoners released on parole recalled to jail last year
  • 614 convictions for further serious offences among offenders on licence
  • 106 rapes committed by those on parole or probation over the past two years
  • 18 rapes committed by those on parole or probation in 1999
  • 0.6% of high-risk offenders involved in another serious offence
  • 220,000 offenders being monitored by the probation service in 2005
  • 14,000 high-risk offenders, which is 6.4% of total monitored offenders

Sources:

  • The Times
  • BBC News
  • Home Office
  • Napo (trade union)
  • Mothers against Murder and Aggression
  • Home Secretary's Office
  • Lib Dem Home Affairs Spokesperson's Office

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