At the Conservative Party Conference this week, the government indicated that it was to get tough on offenders who commit some of the most serious offences, with automatic release at the half-way point being removed in many cases.
Figures for 2018 disclose that for the most serious sexual and violent offences (those that carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment), the following sentence types were imposed:
The government plans to remove release at the half-way point for those sentenced to standard determinate sentences, and instead keep offenders in prison until the two-thirds point, after that releasing them with tougher licence conditions.
When will the changes take effect?
This proposed change will require legislation and will feature in the forthcoming Queen’s Speech as part of the government’s law and order agenda.
Assuming that this change passes into law it is likely to be mid-2020 before it is implemented.
Will any change be retrospective?
There are complex issues in relation to retrospective release provisions, and we would not expect the change to be retrospective.
How we can assist
If you need specialist advice in relation to any criminal investigation or prosecution, then get in touch with Stephanie Brownlees or Hashmita Patel on 01902 275 042 and let us help. We can advise on all aspects of your case.