There was some exceptions, but;
Inmates will be released after 40 per cent of their sentence to ease jails crisis and prevent ‘unchecked criminality’ on streets
www.telegraph.co.uk
- On Friday, Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, will announce measures that would free criminals, including some convicted of violent offences, who have served 40 per cent of their sentences
- It will include criminals convicted of violence who have been jailed for under four years, but exclude those serving longer sentences for more serious violence
^ So yes, Starmer was releasing violent criminals just weeks before.
Let's not replace them, in my view, with a woman with no convictions who nicks some water for 16 months.
Peter 'punch up' every Friday after last orders is a habitual offender, violent offender? yes - needs a community banning order to keep him from areas he'll find trouble after a load of pints.
Some other twit* that's kidnapped some young lady at knife point then sexually molested her is also a violent offender. Significantly more of a problem.
There are varying degrees of violence and intent, as well as impact. I recall Craig Charles was accused of rape and ended up on remand (later cleared btw) he said the system was crazy as there were shoplifters being held alongside murderers and that exposure to genuine serious criminal scum (paraphrasing here) was an ordeal in itself.
I don't mind the current framing of sentences, it is not an accident the first lot up have all plead guilty, it'll be interesting when someone goes not guilty and is found guilty anyway, that'll be when the real face of punishment is seen. This current bunch will do 50% max and it's a shock to the system, they won't fancy going back. Next time an 'opportunity' comes to go out rioting they'll think twice, get caught again and three years will seem like a dream outcome.
There is clearly a message of deterrent being explained here.