Overview
- A man released under the SDS40 early-release scheme has been charged with murder in London, a case expected to trigger a serious further offence review.
- Ministry of Justice data show 38,042 prisoners were freed under SDS40 from September 2024 to June 30, 2025, averaging 129 releases per day in that period.
- The scheme allows eligible inmates to leave after serving 40% of a fixed-term sentence, but excludes sexual offences, terrorism, domestic abuse and violent crimes with sentences over four years.
- Recalls reached 11,041 in April–June 2025, up 13% year on year, with 74% for non-compliance, 36% for failing to keep in touch and 22% involving a further-offence charge.
- The prison population stood at 87,465 on September 30, 2025, as the government advances a Sentencing Bill and a plan for 14,000 additional places, including 2,500 opened since July.