31,500 prisoners released early

The prison population in England and Wales is currently at a record high

More than 31,500 criminals were freed early in England and Wales in the first year of a scheme to free up overcrowded jails, official figures show.

The Ministry of Justice had previously forecast that the project would see 25,500 released during that period.

Under the scheme, criminals are freed up to 18 days early.

Among the 31,549 people released were nearly 6,000 violent offenders, eight sex offenders, two convicted terrorists and 739 robbers.

'Incompetent'

Almost 100 of the prisoners freed under the scheme remain on the run after being recalled to jail, the figures show.

The "end-of-custody licence" programme applies only to those serving sentences of between four months and four years.

Shadow justice secretary Nick Herbert said: "This incompetent government is failing in its most basic duty to protect the public.

"They refused to provide the necessary jail places and now they have released over 31,500 prisoners early on to the streets in a single year, including thousands of violent offenders...

"This appalling policy should be scrapped immediately."

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman David Howarth said: "The government's obsession with sounding tough has led to a prison overcrowding crisis completely of its own making.

"In desperation they have released over 31,500 criminals early, yet our prisons remain full to bursting.

"Instead of releasing dangerous offenders early, ministers must look at more effective forms of sentencing, such as restorative justice."

The prison population has risen sharply since the end of 2007, and last month exceeded 83,000 for the first time.

In February, Justice Secretary Jack Straw called on magistrates courts to use more community punishments.

The government has promised to provide 2,500 extra prison places in 2008.