Violent and sexual offenders to be confined to zones of 'a few miles' after release from prison

Saturday, 22 August 2026 23:07

Prisoners jailed for violent and sexual offences may be confined to zones of a few miles when they are released.

Under new government plans, victims are expected to have their say in setting the boundaries to limit the chances of encountering perpetrators unexpectedly.

This will give victims more "peace of mind and the confidence to get on with their lives" as offenders will have their movements monitored via GPS, according to ministers.

The government is set to roll out the new, more rigorous version of existing exclusion zones in September, reports The Mirror.

Offenders are currently banned from specific locations like a victim's place of work or home.

The new zones will be worked out to ensure those freed can still get to important appointments and access services that help cut their reoffending chances.

It comes as Andy Burnham is due to announce the findings of his review into the early prisoner release scheme when MPs return to Westminster at the start of September.

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Justice Secretary Alex Norris said: "I'm determined that no victim should have to look over their shoulder, change their routine, or live in fear of crossing paths with the person who harmed them.

"That's why we're introducing tough new restrictions on sexual and violent offenders, confining them to areas just a few miles wide and using GPS technology to monitor their movements.

"Victims will have a say in setting these boundaries, giving them greater freedom, peace of mind and the confidence to get on with their lives. It's simple: offenders should carry the consequences of their crimes, not their victims."

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Labour's early release scheme began in September 2024 in a move aimed at easing prison overcrowding.

The prime minister paused plans for more releases initially due to come in September and pushed them back to October.

He has already changed the scheme's eligibility to rule out those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming.

Sky News