Jail terms for sex offenders may be cut

Plans to allow sex offenders get early release from jail where they engage in programmes to lessen their risk of reoffending are being considered by the Department of Justice and the Prison Service.

But both agencies rejected the findings of a report by the Inspector of Prisons which stated there was an “unwritten policy” that no sex offenders should be given temporary release.

Judge Michael Reilly made the finding after strongly criticising the refusal to grant temporary release to a dying 82-year-old prisoner, a convicted sex offender.