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Probation Update
05 March 2020
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Justice
At a Glance
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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