Sexual Offenders Transfers to Open Prisons

2020-11-03

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer

Rotherham

▸ Context

A constituent named Elizabeth was abused by a grooming gang and successfully secured convictions against the perpetrators. One perpetrator served nine years and then moved to an open prison without consultation with her or the police.

What risk assessments are conducted prior to the transfer of people convicted of sexual offences to open prisons? I ask this on behalf of Elizabeth, who was abused by a grooming gang for a decade. After securing convictions including one individual serving nine years, she discovered he moved to an open prison without her or police consultation.

Lucy Frazer

I am very grateful for raising this case. The service has apologised for not contacting Elizabeth before referring the perpetrator to open conditions. A victim liaison officer informed the offender manager about conditions that should be imposed if there is any release on temporary licence. I am happy to continue discussing this case.

▸ Assessment & feedback

How effective the release on temporary leave system is

Response accuracy

Feedback type

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Q2 Partial Answer

Sarah Champion Lab

Rotherham

▸ Context

Neither Elizabeth nor the police were consulted about this move, raising questions about whether only prison conduct contributes to risk assessments. More worryingly, he is potentially up for weekend release, although that won't happen due to covid restrictions. How effective does the Minister think the temporary release system is?

Lucy Frazer

I am very grateful for raising this case. The service has apologised to Elizabeth's constituent, and I apologise for not contacting her before the referral to open conditions. A victim liaison officer informed the offender manager about any release on temporary licence conditions that should be imposed.