Killers could walk free under Keir Starmer's early prison release plan: Criminals convicted of manslaughter ARE eligible for discounted jail terms

Dozens of killers are set to be free early from prison after it was confirmed that killers convicted of manslaughter will be eligible for discounted jail terms. 

Labour ministers have sought to counter public anger over the deeply controversial scheme by insisting that precautions are being taken to protect the public against the most violent offenders. 

But the fact killers will be among those set free after serving just a fraction of their sentences will be seen as more evidence that the public are being put at risk. 

Last year saw 16 killers jailed for less than four years for manslaughter,official government figures show,meaning they will be eligible for discounted sentences. There were nine similar sentences handed out the previous year.

One of the most serious offenders to be released early is Lawson Natty who ­supplied a machete used to kill 14-year-old Gordon Gault in Newcastle in November 2022.

Shane Riley,who said he 'enjoyed' attacking his partner after she broke off their relationship will also be free after serving barely nine months of his sentence

'Not only has this process taken almost six years to get a sentence – and he was given such a lenient sentence in the first place – and now this is being used in his benefit,' she said of Labour's early-­release scheme.

'If he is not classed as a serious offender for almost taking my child's life away,then who is?

'I don't think members of the public actually understand that people like him – people who hurt children,who do the most horrific crimes against a child – will be released.'

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Labour's Justice Secretary reveals freed prisoners are set to be housed in taxpayer-funded hotels

Andrews,of Great Whelnetham,Suffolk,was convicted of GBH without intent. The housing association worker has never explained why he lost control with the infant,who has a significantly reduced life expectancy.

Shane Riley,44,of Swansea,may also be eligible for release after serving barely nine months of a 23-month sentence. 

He admitted assault causing actual bodily harm,common assault,making threats to kill and criminal damage after headbutting,punching and kicking his former partner after she broke up with him.

In the Commons yesterday Lib Dem MP Lee Dillon asked the Justice Secretary to confirm that 'no dangerous criminals would be released early'. Ms Mahmood replied: 'We have taken every measure available to exclude offences from this measure. That includes serious violence,sexual violence,offences connected to domestic abuse . . . as are terror offences.'

Challenged by Tory MP Neil O'Brien over the early release of those convicted of manslaughter Ms Mahmood added: 'The offences and the sentences are both taken into account.'

Ms Mahmood also said some freed criminals could end up being housed in hotels at the taxpayers' expense,to avoid them being released homeless. Asked by shadow justice secretary Edward Argar if hotels will be used,she told MPs she had authorised probation chiefs to 'make appropriate provision'.

LabourGood Morning Britain