Claire Waxman backs urgent reform after review exposes failures in how victims are notified when offenders are freed by mistake

VICTIMS are still being failed by the justice system when offenders are released in error, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales has warned.

Claire Waxman OBE spoke out after the publication of Dame Lynne Owens’ independent review into releases in error, which was published by the Ministry of Justice on Wednesday (Apr 15). The Government said it had accepted all 33 recommendations in principle and would take forward those that can be delivered within the current spending period.

The review was commissioned after the mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford, but went on to examine wider problems across the prison and justice system. The Government said recent cases had exposed deep-rooted issues and described the number of release errors as unacceptably high, despite a recent reduction.

According to the Ministry of Justice, there were 179 recorded releases in error from prison between April 2025 and March 2026, a fall of 32 per cent compared with the previous year. Ministers said new checks and a dedicated query unit had already helped prevent further mistakes, while £10m has been committed to digital and AI-based tools aimed at reducing errors.

But Ms Waxman said the review had exposed serious failings in the way victims are informed when offenders are released by mistake.

She said: “Mistaken releases are an appalling failure of our justice system. They cause serious distress to victims and undermine trust and confidence in the justice system.

“Dame Lynne Owens’ report exposes serious failings in how victims are informed when offenders are released in error. In some cases, victims were contacted too late – with one learning through social media – because agencies could not identify which victim contact scheme applied or who was responsible for notifying them.

“I welcome the government’s acceptance of the review and the steps being taken to reduce these errors. But when mistakes do occur, it is paramount that victims are informed first, as quickly as possible and through official channels. Victims should never learn through the media, or by chance, that an offender has been released in error.”

The Victims’ Commissioner said victims should always be told first, as quickly as possible and through official channels, rather than finding out through the media or by chance.

She also backed Dame Lynne’s call for a clear national protocol on victim notification and repeated her own long-standing call for the introduction of a unique victim identifier, which she said would allow agencies to identify, track and contact victims more quickly across the justice system.

Without it, she warned, the system could lose sight of victims at the very moment they most need protection.

The Government said the review’s recommendations covered data and digital systems, governance, process improvements, training and culture. It added that further action would be taken in several areas, with some longer-term reforms dependent on future funding decisions.

The Ministry of Justice said it remained committed to reducing the risk of offenders being released in error and returning figures to pre-prison capacity crisis levels.

Police appeal for information following incident on South Road between March 11 and March 15

POLICE are investigating a report of criminal damage to a vehicle in Pembroke.

The damage is believed to have occurred on South Road sometime between Wednesday, March 11 and Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, or who has information that could assist the investigation, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by email at [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting reference number 26000209990.

Court hears prohibited weapons were found at Penygroes address

A 41-YEAR-OLD man has been sentenced after admitting possessing a knuckleduster and indicating a guilty plea to possessing pepper spray.

Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard that Oliver Lycett, of Bridge Street, Penygroes, was before the court on Tuesday (Apr 14) in connection with the two weapons offences.

The first charge stated that on Oct 18, 2025, Lycett possessed a knuckleduster in a private place, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

He also faced a second charge of possessing pepper spray without the authority of the Secretary of State, an offence under the Firearms Act 1968.

The court record shows Lycett entered a guilty plea to the knuckleduster offence and an indicated guilty plea to the pepper spray offence.

District Judge M Layton imposed a community order running until Apr 13, 2027.

As part of the sentence, Lycett must complete up to 10 days of rehabilitation activity.

The court also ordered the deprivation of both weapons, meaning the knuckleduster and the pepper spray are to be forfeited.

Lycett was fined £120. He was also ordered to pay £85 in prosecution costs and a £114 surcharge.

A collection order was made, with deductions from benefits and the financial penalty to be paid in full within 28 days.