Labour has freed over 26,000 criminals early – including hundreds of serious offenders who were handed sentences of more than a decade behind bars.
Astonishing figures for the soft-justice programme suggest 45,000 could have their sentences cut in its first year.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood introduced the programme in September, and by the end of March 26,456 offenders had been let out early.
For the first time it can be revealed that 248 convicts sentenced to 14 years or more have already been let out, despite the seriousness of their offending and the severity of their punishment.
Under the scheme, a criminal given 14 years by a court will serve just five and a half years.
