Hundreds of offenders walk free as England and Wales launch emergency early release scheme to ease prison crisis
From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.
A prisoner leaving HMP Wandsworth outside which, on Thursday, a man walked free and declared "Justice system, what justice system? Thank you Andy Burnham.
Around 4,500 criminals are set to be freed under a new phased early release scheme as England and Wales grapple with a chronic shortage of prison beds. The programme, operating under the Sentencing Act 2026, began yesterday with GPS tagging and probation conditions attached to releases. Serious offenders are excluded, but victim groups have raised alarm over the wider consequences.
The scheme was triggered by a critical shortage of prison places across England and Wales.
Released offenders will be fitted with GPS tags and subject to strict probation supervision.
Victim Support and rehabilitation charities have warned that the early release drive poses long-term risks to public safety.
