OVER 300 INMATES have been released early from Wrexham's HMP Berwyn over recent months, figures show.

Data collected from the Ministry of Justice has revealed the number of prisoners who have been released early under the End of Custody Supervised Licence (ECSL) scheme across England and Wales.

ECSL was brought in by Rishi Sunak’s Conservative administration last year in a bid to ease prison overcrowding.

The data shows hundreds of early releases from prisons in various areas throughout the UK, raising questions from some about public safety and the effectiveness of reintegration efforts.

The figures show that the number of inmates released this year as follows (up to September); 

  • January - 21
  • February - 34
  • March -  51
  • April - 38
  • May - 61
  • June - 34
  • July - 37
  • August - 34
  • September - 4

That gives a total of 312 inmates at the Wrexham prison who have been released early under the scheme.

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The ECSL has been in operation since October 17, 2023 and applies to both England and Wales.

A spokesperson for the UK Government said: "ECSL allows certain determinate sentenced prisoners to be released prior to their Conditional Release Date. From the start of its use, prisoners in certain prisons could be released a maximum of 18 days prior to their Conditional Release Date.

"This was increased to a maximum of 35 days on March 8, 2024 and a maximum of 70 days on May 23, 2024. ECSL was also iteratively rolled out to a larger number of male prisons, as well as being active in some prisons within the female estate from March 5, 2024 to May 14, 2024, during which time female prisoners could be released a maximum of 18 days prior to their Conditional Release Date."