Legislation to release prisoners early in order to free up space for newly sentenced offenders has attracted much criticism, not least from victims.

Some 4,500 prisoners are due to be let out earlier than planned over the next 10 months in a desperate bid to ease strain on the system.

Justice Secretary Alex Norris has announced a cash injection to speed up plans to create 14,000 new prison cells - while unused space in existing jails will be converted to house…