Around 700 eligible offenders are being released from prisons today (October 1) under the Government's early release scheme, with HMP Isis in Thamesmead among the facilities where inmates are being freed. The move is part of a controversial bid to ease overcrowding in jails across the country.
Outside HMP Isis this morning, friends and family gathered to welcome prisoners as they emerged from the Category C prison. One man carrying a black duffel bag and a white plastic bag left the facility shortly before 9.40am and was greeted by around 10 cheering friends. The group declined to speak to reporters.
Releases Begin at HMP Isis
Another former inmate, wearing a white T-shirt and carrying a black rucksack, said he could not stop to talk because he had "kids to get back to." A woman who said she had been waiting outside since 7am embraced her boyfriend as he left the prison. She described his offence as "nothing too serious," although neither would confirm whether he was among those released under the early release scheme.
By 9.45am, four prisoners had left HMP Isis, where more families and friends remained waiting outside for loved ones to be freed. The release programme has proved controversial because some eligible offenders are being let out after serving around a third of their sentence.
Scheme Excludes Serious Offenders
The scheme excludes the most serious offenders but includes some convicted of domestic abuse and sexual offences. Ministers say the move is necessary to create space in overcrowded prisons, while critics have raised concerns about public safety and whether support services are prepared for the increase in prisoners returning to the community.
A further 2,550 prisoners are due to be released by the end of the year under the same programme, according to the Government. The early releases are expected to continue as part of efforts to manage prison capacity across England and Wales.
