More than a fifth of early-release prisoners reoffend within a month, police chief reveals - as another 650 are set free in Labour scheme

Detailed summary

Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, spoke as another 650 inmates were let out in the latest tranche of the scheme to ease overcrowding.

Published: 15:27 GMT, 11 November 2026 | Updated: 15:30 GMT, 11 November 2026

More than a fifth of early release prisoners have reoffended within a month of being let out, a police chief has revealed.

Sir Stephen Watson, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, spoke as another 650 inmates were freed in the latest tranche of Labour's scheme to ease overcrowding.

He said 22 per cent of offenders released early in Greater Manchester last month had already reoffended.

'While we're busy building extra prison space, we need to work with our partners to mitigate the risk to the public.

'I just hope that we get to a more rational place where those who should be in prison go to prison and there are spaces to retain them for as long as they deserve.'

Last month, Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley revealed his officers were arresting two or three offenders a week who had been set free under the scheme.

Yesterday, Jake Sharp, 19, was among the prisoners to emerge from HMP Holme House in Stockton-on-Tees, saying 'Thank you very much' to Andy Burnham.

Jailed for threats to strangle his partner, he said it was 'f****** spot on' to be out early.

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