Overview

• Amari Ward, 31, was released as part of an early release scheme aimed at reducing prison overcrowding in England and Wales.
• Ward allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at Sittingbourne Station in Kent just hours after his release.
• The Ministry of Justice defended the scheme, citing the need to prevent the collapse of the prison system.
• Ward was arrested in south London and charged with sexual assault; he has been recalled to prison and denied bail.
• The early release policy excludes terrorists and sex offenders but allows some violent offenders serving less than four years to be freed early.