Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Probation Update

05 March 2020 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Robert Buckland Con South Swindon

Justice & Courts

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Serious Further Offence (SFO) review related to Joseph McCann will be published in a redacted form.
  • An independent review will be conducted by HM Chief Inspector of Probation, Justin Russell.
  • The review aims to investigate the management of McCann's case and the culture surrounding recall in the probation service.

Issue summary

The statement addresses a serious case where Joseph McCann committed violent sexual attacks while on probation supervision.

Action requested

The Minister announces the publication of a redacted version of the Serious Further Offence (SFO) review and the appointment of an independent review by HM Chief Inspector of Probation, Justin Russell, to investigate the management of McCann's case and the broader culture around recall in the probation service.

Key facts

  • Joseph McCann was given thirty-three life sentences on December 6, 2019 for violent sexual attacks.
  • He was supervised by the National Probation Service (NPS) after serving half of a three-year sentence.
  • NPS staff failed to recall McCann in August 2017 and January 2018.
  • A revised Recall Policy Framework was launched in July with mandatory training for probation staff.
  • Victim Liaison Officers met with victims to explain the SFO review findings on February 27 and March 5.
  • An independent review by HM Chief Inspector of Probation, Justin Russell, is being conducted.
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