Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Release of Violent Offenders: Victim Safety

Tuesday 9 January 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department is taking steps to ensure victim safety through strict licence conditions for violent offenders, including tagging and exclusion zones.
  • Victims have a legal entitlement to request protected licence conditions for offenders upon release.
  • Government introduced extended determinate sentences to better protect the public from dangerous offenders, making early release dependent on Parole Board approval.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Justice & Courts
Context

The question addresses the safety concerns for victims when violent offenders are released from prison under strict licence conditions. The issue includes the use of tagging and exclusion zones to manage risk.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help ensure the safety of victims after violent offenders are released, including the use of tagging, exclusion zones, and the legal entitlement for victims to request protected licence conditions on release?

Answer from Alex Chalk

Protecting the public is our top priority. Offenders are subject to strict licence conditions on release, which can include tagging and exclusion zones, and they can of course be returned to prison if they breach those conditions. Victims of violent and sexual offenders serving prison sentences of 12 months or more are legally entitled to request protected licence conditions on release, including exclusion zones. The probation service works with partners including the police under the multi-agency public protection arrangements, to closely manage the risk presented by the most serious offenders.

Answered
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Q2 Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question addresses a specific case of Rhianon Bragg, whose attacker was convicted and is due for automatic release next month. The victim lives in a remote area making surveillance difficult.

Question

Rhianon Bragg's attacker was convicted of stalking, possessing a firearm and making threats to kill. Only two months ago, the Parole Board decided that his probation release plan could not ensure public protection, yet he will be automatically released next month. I have sent numerous letters to Ministers on this matter but have received not a single reply. Given that the victim lives in a remote area, which makes conventional surveillance methods virtually impossible, will the Secretary of State finally provide a credible response to the urgent safety risks faced by victims such as Rhianon?

Answer from Alex Chalk

First, I thank the right hon. Lady for raising this case. The Government introduced extended determinate sentences to better protect the public from dangerous offenders by making their early release dependent on the Parole Board. Offenders on extended determinate sentences must be released but face years of strict supervision with conditions such as exclusion zones and curfews, and they will be returned to prison if breached. I am aware of the letter sent on 14th to my right hon. Friend the Minister of State and he would be happy to meet the right hon. Lady to discuss these points.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide a credible response addressing specific measures for Rhianon Bragg's safety despite acknowledging her case.

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