Probation officers are to vote on strike action as early release prisoner commits 11 crimes in FIVE days

From the Newshound archive · first published 10 October 2026.

Michael Bogle, 38, a registered sex offender with over 100 previous offences, was back behind bars within days of being freed from HMP Wandsworth under Labour's early release scheme — having committed 11 crimes in five days, starting with CCTV footage catching him stealing from a Sainsbury's just hours after walking free. The Metropolitan Police's Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist called the speed of his reoffending "astonishing", while Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams warned the case cost 27 officer hours and £1,887 to resolve.

Bogle declared 'Keep the early release going.

Probation officers, already stretched to 26 per cent below target staffing levels, are now set to vote on strike action over the strain the scheme is placing on them.

Bogle, who said he planned to celebrate his release 'by having some kebabs', has five separate jail terms and 100 convictions behind him — and admitted before reoffending that there was a risk he would shoplift again, 'but hopefully not'.