Parole Board Reports Rise in Rejected Life Sentence Parole Applications Amid Concerns Over Re-offending

The Parole Board has seen a sharp increase in rejected parole applications for prisoners serving life sentences, with nearly 9 out of 10 applications turned down in the six months since April, compared to a 23 per cent release rate for the year ending in March. This change comes as a response to public concern over the release of potentially dangerous criminals, following the murders of City financier John Monckton and Hampshire mother Naomi Bryant, both of whom were killed by ex-convicts. The Parole Board's chairman, Sir Duncan Nichol, acknowledged that public concern over re-offending by freed convicts would continue, but stated that parole panels are paying increased attention to convicts' original offences and are wary of placing too much emphasis on good behaviour in jail.

Key Takeaways:

• 87 lifers released on licence were recalled in the 12 months to March after allegations they had committed further crimes.
• 25 prisoners serving life have been re-convicted in the past six years for committing a serious violent or sexual crime after being freed.
• The Parole Board reported that in 2004-5, 9,296 freed prisoners were recalled for breaches of release conditions, including re-offending.
• 358 sex offenders serving four years or more were approved for release, with 670 applications refused.
• Half of all prisoners covering all offences who applied for parole last year were granted their freedom, which is the lowest release rate since 2001.
• In the six months since April, nearly nine out of 10 applications for parole by prisoners serving life were turned down, with only 11.8 per cent approved for release.

Statistics:

• 87 lifers released on licence were recalled in the 12 months to March for committing further crimes.
• 25 prisoners serving life have been re-convicted in the past six years for serious violent or sexual crimes after being freed.
• 9,296 freed prisoners were recalled for breaches of release conditions in 2004-5.
• 358 sex offenders serving four years or more were approved for release, while 670 applications were refused.
• 85.2% of parole applications by prisoners serving life were turned down in the six months since April.
• 11.8% of parole applications by prisoners serving life were approved for release in the six months since April.

Sources:

• The Parole Board's annual report, no date specified
• Various unnamed sources citing the Parole Board's figures and chairman, Sir Duncan Nichol.