Almost 180 criminals were let out of prison by mistake, shocking new figures show.
The Ministry of Justice said 179 prisoners were released “in error” in England and Wales between April 2025 and March 2026.
In November, the MoJ said 91 prisoners were released “in error” between April and October.
But the latest available data reveals this number is higher than first thought, now standing at 129 for the six-month period.
Since then a further 50 inmates have been freed by mistake, according to the MoJ’s report.
Releases in error can include misplaced warrants for imprisonment or remand, sentence miscalculations, or the result of mistakes by courts or other authorities, the MoJ said.
The department added: “If the person released is not aware of the error and makes no attempt to evade arrest, then they have committed no additional offence and in that sense, they may not be at fault.
“If it is believed that the situation was manipulated by the prisoner, for example by taking the identity of another person, then this will be classified as an escape, and not a release in error.”
This is a breaking story. More to follow.