Burnham Government Urgently Identifies Grooming Gang Perpetrators Eligible for Early Release

Andy Burnham's government is "urgently" identifying grooming gang perpetrators who may still be eligible for early prison release after a loophole was found in the scheme. The prime minister has "personally intervened" after men convicted of assaulting children in Bradford were expected to be freed early despite a promise they would remain behind bars. About 5,000 people are expected to be released early under sentencing changes in England and Wales, down from 6,000 after ministers excluded grooming gang members, rapists and "serious" child sex offenders.

Some offending took place before sexual abuse laws changed in 2003, and perpetrators were charged with crimes such as indecent assault, which do not fall within the exclusions starting in October. A spokesperson for Burnham said the Ministry of Justice is conducting an in-depth review of cases to ensure grooming cases are identified. Burnham suspended the scheme in his second week as prime minister after pressure from MPs, victims, campaigners and prison officers.