More sexual offenders in England and Wales could be freed instead of being jailed, according to police sources who spoke to the Guardian. This is attributed to the current pressure on courts and prisons.
The warning follows Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley's condemnation on Thursday of the bail release of a man who admitted taking pictures of children and women and using AI to sexualise them. Zafer Dogan was bailed to his flat, from which he committed some of the admitted offences, despite police and prosecutors advocating for him to be remanded in custody. He was later imprisoned for two years at his sentencing.
A senior police source expressed concerns about an increase in such cases across England and Wales, where charged suspects are released on bail rather than remanded. The source stated that forces are "bracing ourselves for more of this across the country," which could cause distress to victims.
The government's early release policy, designed to alleviate pressure on prisons, is anticipated to commence next Thursday. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) estimates the early release policy could cost policing in England and Wales £480 million and potentially lead to a crime increase of up to 6%.
Assistant Chief Constable Jason Devonport, NPCC lead for criminal justice reform, acknowledged the severe stress on the criminal justice system. He stated that while the NPCC broadly supports the Sentencing Act's aim to ease prison capacity pressure, public trust must not be lost, and the system must prioritise prison spaces for dangerous and prolific criminals.