By Olivia Christie Published: 12:37 EDT, 25 September 2024 | Updated: 12:45 EDT, 25 September 2024

Dozens of prisoners were incorrectly freed under Sir Keir Starmer’s early release scheme after a system error, authorities have admitted. Sources from the Ministry of Justice said 37 inmates were mistakenly freed – with five yet to be put back behind bars.The criminals, who were all jailed for breaching restraining orders, were let out after their offences were logged under outdated legislation. It comes as the Labour government launched an emergency early prisoner release scheme to free up space in UK jails. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: ‘Public safety is our first priority. That is why we took decisive action to fix the broken prison system we inherited and keep the most dangerous offenders locked up. ‘This included blocking the early release of domestic abuse offences such as stalking and controlling behaviour.’We are working with the police to urgently return a very small number of offenders – who were charged incorrectly and sentenced under repealed legislation – to custody.’The convictions remain valid with offenders monitored since their release and will soon be back behind bars.’This is a breaking news story- more to follow 

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37 prisoners were incorrectly freed under Keir Starmer’s early prisoner release scheme after system error – with five yet to put back behind bars