Rapists could be forced to serve full sentences behind bars under shake-up

25 September 2023 , 11:20

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Rapists could be deemed ineligible for early release (Image: PA)

Convicted rapists could be forced to serve their full jail sentences under a legal shake-up.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly set to announce proposals which see rapists blocked from early release. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk was asked to draw up the proposals and the changes are likely to be included in the King's Speech in November, according to the Daily Mail.

A Conservative source said the overhaul was part of a "gear change" to show "the real Rishi". In a speech last week, Mr Sunak announced "it was time to address the bigger, longer term questions we face". Last month he announced he would look at changing laws so convicted criminals are compelled to attend sentencing hearings after murderer Lucy Letby failed to attend her hearing.

He also announced offenders who commit the most heinous murders will face life behind bars with no chance of being released. Judges would be required to impose the most severe penalty in the UK's criminal justice system to the most depraved killers, with exceptions only in extremely limited circumstances. The law change would also make the stiffest penalty a default sentence for sexually motivated murders.

Mr Sunak's spokesman said today: "We have taken significant steps in this area - we have ended automatic, halfway-release point for violent, sexual offenders. A few weeks ago we announced changes to sentencing so life means life for the worst offenders, and we have delivered on our action plan to prosecute more rape cases and make sure more victims get the justice they deserve. Obviously there is much more to do but there is further speculation on this area and I won't comment on it."

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The PM said last month: "I have shared the public's horror at the cruelty of crimes we have seen recently. People rightly expect that in the most serious cases, there should be a guarantee that life will mean life. They expect honesty in sentencing. By bringing in mandatory whole-life orders for the heinous criminals who commit the most horrific types of murder, we will make sure they never walk free."

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Ben Glaze