‘We need support when we get out’

A man released from HMP Humber in East Yorkshire under the Government’s early release scheme said more support was needed to help prisoners from outside.

Matthew Carter, 29, from Lincoln, was released this week after serving just over a third of a six-month prison sentence for shoplifting.

He said he had been homeless since he was 18, which he said played a major role in his offending.

The Justice Department said it is working with other agencies to ensure prisoners are not released without anywhere to go.

Asked what he and other prisoners thought when the early release scheme was announced, he said: “There were no celebrations. They release a lot of people, but most of them are called back within a few weeks because they are homeless. .

“I’ve been to prison a few times and I think you should serve your full sentence.”

But without support and a place to live, he said ex-prisoners were more likely to reoffend to survive.

He looked at this week’s budget from the inside but said he heard nothing about the prison system, although he welcomed the government’s promise to build more houses.

Since his release, Carter said he has found a job.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “The new government has inherited a justice system in crisis, with an early release scheme that did not give probation staff enough time to prepare prisoners for life outside the home, including a place where they can live after release can go to.

“Our new system will enable staff to better prepare offenders to turn their backs on crime for good. We are working with partners, including local councils and charities, to prevent them being released onto the streets.”

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