Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) incorrectly notified a series of victims that their perpetrators were eligible for early release. Speaking to the Home Affairs committee on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, Mahmood acknowledged the errors occurred amid the implementation of a program intended to address prison overcrowding in England and Wales.
Among those affected was grooming gang survivor and campaigner Fiona Goddard, who was incorrectly informed that a perpetrator in her case was scheduled for early release. Mahmood clarified that Goddard’s case did not qualify for early release and stated that the Lord Chancellor is focused on issuing apologies and providing clear information to survivors who received incorrect notifications.
The incident follows legislative changes under the Sentencing Act 2026, which became law earlier this year. The Act allows for the potential expansion of early release by reducing the time served requirement to one-third of a fixed-term sentence for certain categories of offenders. The current scheme has already implemented policies to release certain inmates after they serve 40% of their sentences rather than the standard 50%.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has modified the release schemes in response to public feedback. The government excluded those convicted of rape, serious child sexual offences, and grooming. At the end of August, Burnham announced the government would also exclude those jailed for manslaughter, causing death by dangerous driving, and causing or allowing the death of a child.
The communication errors affect victims enrolled in notification systems. While the MoJ has not reported the exact number of individuals who received incorrect letters, Mahmood confirmed it was a "series" of notifications that caused significant distress and fear.
Prime Minister Burnham stated that Justice Secretary Alex Norris will oversee the situation to prevent further incorrect notifications. The government has not provided a specific date for when the administrative review of the notification system will be completed.