Prisons: Released lifers commit new crimes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Nearly 20 per cent of prisoners jailed for "life" but later released on licence committed a new offence within five years, a Home Office report reveals.
In the 22 years up to 1994, 1,691 criminals were released on "life licence" - in which the offender is automatically sent back to jail to continue his sentence if he or she breaks the law.
Although reconviction rates for people on life licence are much lower than the average for others released from custody, about 9 per cent broke the law within two years. Of those released, 66 were convicted of series offences such as murder, rape, robbery, and serious wounding.
Since the introduction of Discretionary Lifer Panels in 1992, which removed the power of release from the Home Secretary and gave it to the Parole Board, the number of lifers on licence has greatly increased.
Life Licensees - Reconvictions and Recalls by the End of 1995, Home Office, Information and Publications Group, Room 1308, Apollo House, 36 Wellesley Rd, Croydon, CR9 3RR.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments