Member

This proposed new clause blends fairness and consistency with careful oversight. Offenders serving sentences for offences that have been recognised as particularly serious should be encouraged and incentivised to reduce their risk with the opportunity of a referral to the Parole Board at the halfway point of their custodial sentence, rather than being released automatically at two-thirds. Such a mechanism would not, as some may fear, let people off early for serious offences. The Parole Board would need to be satisfied they were safe to be released. It would not be automatic release, but it would recognise and reward those who have taken themselves to task to rehabilitate in the lengthier time available to them. That is what this amendment would achieve.