Automatic Early Release

This is a system where people serving sentences of imprisonment are released into the community after serving part of their sentence in custody. People given a short term sentence normally will be automatically released from prison into the community after serving a fixed portion of their sentence in prison. This is presently 40%, except for those serving sentences for sexual offences or domestic abuse, for whom it is 50%. Automatic early release does not apply to those serving extended sentences. Long term prisoners must be released 'on licence' six months before the end of their sentence (unless they have previously been released in respect of that sentence). Automatic early release does not apply to those serving extended sentences. Being released 'on licence' means the person will be under the supervision of a social worker in the community. There are conditions they must follow such as staying at a certain address, staying in touch with their social worker and staying out of trouble with the police. If they do not follow the conditions, they can go back to prison to serve the rest of their sentence. The licence will last until the sentence is finished.