Fury as 9,000 domestic abusers to be freed under Labour’s early release scheme as PM slammed for putting victims at risk

MORE than 9,000 domestic abusers are set to be let out of prison under Labour’s early release scheme. The PM has been publicly slammed for going ahead with some releases, with 3,000 domestic abuser perpetrators a year now due to be turned loose to roam the streets. Shaine March attacked Alana Odysseos while she was in the early stages of pregnancy Credit: PA Mark Brazant stabbed a young mother in the face and neck days after his release from prison Credit: PA New Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing backlash after only excluding rapists and the most serious sex offenders from early release. The scheme was paused when it was revealed the killers of hero PC Andrew Harper would be among those freed. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! But following a review, soft-justice plans to free Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole halfway through their 13-year jail terms were ntot changed. This means the two thugs could be let out on the streets in a matter of mere months. Kathleen John fell to her death while trying to escape her ex boyfriend Josephine Conlon was ambushed while she was pushing her pramCredit: Refer to source Leonidas Georgall attacked Kathleen John Credit: Central News David McCorkell attacked and killed Diane Dyer Credit: Met Police Furious widow Lissie Harper, 35, said: “This is disgusting. I’m beyond appalled and bristling with anger to hear Andrew’s killers are soon to be free. “The level of disrespect the Government are showing to Andrew and other victims, and their loved ones such as me, is beyond contempt.” A Police Federation chief has now revealed they are poised to take legal action unless Mr Burnham reverses the decision. Thames Valley chair Aileen O’Connor called the ruling “an insult to Andrew’s family, friends and colleagues” and said “Andy Burnham may be on his holidays but we won’t rest on this.” Most read in The Sun A petition to stop his killers being let out passed 100,000 verified signatures. And, last night domestic abuse victims and the Prime Minister’s own MPs slammed the government for allowing abusers back onto the streets. The Daily Mail reports analysis from the Tories shows some 9,371 domestic abusers could be freed by the end of this Parliament in 2029. Authorities say they will be fitted with electronic tags and tracked once let out. However, Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy last night branded the move “disgraceful.” He went on: “Labour had to be dragged into this U-turn on [excluding rapists from] early release after campaigning from victims. The PM paused the scheme after it was revealed PC Andrew Harper’s killers would be among those freed Credit: PA Mr Burnham is now facing backlash from his own MPs after it was found domestic abusers would be turned loose Credit: AP “But it clearly does not go far enough and is putting victims’ lives at risk. The clock is ticking… “Labour need to ensure the remaining sex offenders and other serious criminals are excluded.” Meanwhile Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs said: “If these figures are anywhere near the level of abusers set to be let out, then it is critical the Government is transparent about the scale of releases, so we can be confident the right level of resource is in place to keep victims safe.” Andy Burnham’s own backbenches turned on him over the move last night, with Stoke-on-Trent MP Allison Gardner saying the prospect of abusers being let loose is “frightening” for victims. After pausing the scheme last month, Andy Burnham promised no prisoners would be freed until an urgent review was carried out. Ministers examined the early release policy and went ahead with it, but prevented serious sexual abusers and rapists from being turned loose. Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse – Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse – gaslighting – being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation – Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse – This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse – Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night Men who are being abused can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or ManKind on 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse. The scheme sees criminals who would have had to serve two thirds of their sentence released after serving just half. And, less serious offenders will be let out after serving only a third of their sentence. In response to the Conservative claim of 9,000 domestic abusers being up for release, an MoJ spokesperson said: “This is a speculative figure. “It wrongly assumes prison population and sentencing patterns will remain unchanged throughout Parliament, while also counting people who have not yet committed offences.”