The MP for Telford, Lucy Allan, today welcomed the Government’s decision to expand its review of the Parole Board and Victim Contact Scheme, in light of the recent case regarding John Worboys.
Responding to the Secretary of State for Justice, David Gauke MP’s statement in the House of Commons, Ms Allan called on the Government to also give consideration to the case of Mubarek Ali – a ringleader of a Telford child sex grooming gang, who, in 2017, was ‘automatically’ eligible for early release after serving under a third of his 22 year sentence – in its forthcoming review.
Ms Allan has consistently argued that ‘automatic’ triggering of eligibility for release should be limited in the cases of sex offenders and terrorists, and that the Victim Contact Scheme requires reform if it is to better inform and support victims of crime.
Replying to Ms Allan's request, the Secretary of State for Justice said:
“In terms of looking at the Victim Contact Scheme works, I would be interested to receive more information [about the Mubarek Ali case].
“And if there are other examples where questions have been raised, this is clearly something that the Review will need to take into account”