Victims' families furious over offenders remaining eligible for early release

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has apologised to the family of PC Andrew Harper after it emerged two of his killers will still be eligible for early release under revised government plans.

Following a review, offenders convicted of rape, serious child sexual offences and grooming will no longer qualify for early release. However, those convicted of manslaughter remain eligible, prompting criticism from victims' families.

PC Andrew Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, said she was "beyond appalled" by the decision.

The government says the changes are necessary to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons, warning the system could otherwise run out of space within months.

Sky's Mollie Malone reports.

Read more: https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-andy-burnham-labour-kemi-badenoch-tories-nigel-farage-reform-12593360

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