October 22nd 2024.
Anton Noble is a youth mentor who dedicates his time to helping young individuals break free from a life of crime. Throughout his work, he has witnessed firsthand the destructive hold that gangs have on both prisons and the outside world.
As the government implements their plan to ease overcrowding in prisons, Anton raises concerns about the early release of inmates. He warns that these individuals, who have been deemed fit for release, will face their biggest challenge yet once they step foot outside of prison walls.
Anton is currently working with two young offenders and two adults who have been granted early release. This release is part of the government's effort to alleviate the immense strain on the prison system, which has been on the brink of collapse. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has stated that this measure is necessary to prevent the "collapse of the criminal justice system."
However, there have been concerns raised by Napo, a trade union representing probation and family court workers, regarding the effectiveness of this early release scheme. They have reported that a significant number of inmates who were previously released early have already been recalled to custody.
Anton stresses that for these individuals, the real battle begins once they re-enter society. While some prisons may have effective rehabilitation programs in place, others lack the necessary resources and trained staff to help offenders turn their lives around. Gangs and debt-related violence are just some of the issues that can make the transition back to society even more challenging for these individuals.
"The gangs have no morals or boundaries," Anton explains. He also highlights the fear that many prison staff have towards these gangs. In some cases, staff members have even been accused of setting up inmates to be attacked.
According to Anton, prisons should serve as a place for individuals to reflect on their actions and behavior, but without proper resources and support, it is impossible to promote positive change. He has observed firsthand the stark differences in the quality of services provided in different prisons, with some having adequate funding and others struggling to provide even the most basic support.
Through his work with the Guiding Young Minds intervention team, Anton has seen the alarming signs of strain on the prison system. He has witnessed gang warfare, assaults-for-cash, and vicious attacks on staff members in top security jails.
Under the early release scheme, certain custodial sentences have been reduced from 50% to 40%, with the exclusion of sexual and serious violence offenses. This has led to the release of over 1,000 inmates in England and Wales today, with more to come in the future.
Anton spoke about his own experience as a youth worker, working with some of the most challenging young individuals in society. He himself was on a destructive path as a teenager before changing his ways and dedicating himself to helping others.
One such individual waiting for an offender's release outside Wandsworth Prison is Ahmed. Ahmed, who arrived in a £250,000 Lamborghini, shared his own experience of being incarcerated while awaiting trial for ABH. He described the harsh conditions inside prison and the toll it takes on one's mental health.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has acknowledged the crisis in the prison system and has announced an independent review of prison sentencing to be carried out by former justice secretary David Gauke. This review will explore alternative measures to custody.
Anton believes that the location and social connections of those being released will play a significant role in their risk to themselves and others. As a mentor, he works with inmates in prisons and young offender institutions, providing workshops and talks. He is set to give a motivational speech at HMP Birmingham next week in honor of Black History Month.
Anton also shares his concerns for the young individuals he is currently working with, who are eligible for early release. He explains that they have matured during their time in prison, but the real challenge lies in staying away from the same negative influences and environments that led them into crime in the first place.
He hopes to help them reposition themselves back into society and find a sense of peace. These released individuals will be monitored on license by the Probation Service, but Anton worries that for some, the temptation to return to their old ways may be too strong.
The Ministry of Justice maintains that they have adequately prepared prisoners for release and have measures in place to support their resettlement needs, such as finding work and accommodation. However, Anton worries that for some, the battle to stay away from negative influences will be a constant struggle.
He fears that the release of these individuals, some of whom have not truly shown remorse or a desire to change, may lead to further issues with gangs, violence, and drug-related crimes in already troubled communities.
"I am not in favor of simply freeing up space in prisons without considering the individual's mindset and readiness for release," Anton says. He believes that without proper support and resources, these individuals may continue to pose a threat to society.
The Justice Secretary has warned that without taking action to ease prison crowding, courts may be forced to delay sending offenders to jail, and the police may not be able to arrest dangerous criminals. She has expressed concern about a potential "total breakdown of law and order."
An MoJ spokesperson has stated that the government inherited a justice system in crisis and that the early release program is necessary to prevent its collapse. They maintain that this measure is crucial to ensure the safety and protection of the public.
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