More than 400 prisoners in Oxfordshire have been released early under a scheme introduced last year.

New figures from the Ministry of Justice reveal the number of prisoners released early under the End of Custody Supervised Licence (ECSL) scheme across England and Wales.

The scheme was introduced in October 2023 to ease overcrowding in prisons. 

From HMP Bullingdon, located near Bicester, a total of 329 male prisoners have been released early since the scheme was introduced.

According to the figures, 41 prisoners in both May and July this year were released from Bullingdon. 

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From HMP Huntercombe, located near Henley, a total of 89 male prisoners have been released since the scheme began. According to the figures, no prisoners were released between October 2023 and February 2023.

The government decided to use the power in s248 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to allow the prison service to move some lower level offenders out of prison on to licence up to 18 days before their automatic release date.

This does not apply to anyone serving an extended determinate sentence or anyone serving a sentence for an offence of particular concern.

It also does not apply to anyone convicted of a serious violence offence, terrorism, or a sex offence.

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The government previously said this power would only be used for a limited period and only in targeted areas.

HMP BullingdonHMP Bullingdon (Image: PA) Offenders released early are placed under strict licence conditions which provide a step-down from custody to living in the community. 

This may include being made to wear an electronic tag where needed to manage them safely, a condition not to contact a named individual directly or indirectly, having to live at an address approved by their probation officer, attending appointments, and a condition not to enter certain areas such as postcodes.

Breach of these conditions could lead to the offender being recalled to custody – for the entire second half of their sentence.

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When the scheme was introduced last year, the then-Lord Chancellor Alex Chalkto said: "To continue to put the worst offenders away for longer, we must use prison better, so that there are always sufficient spaces to lock up the most dangerous criminals.

"We must reform the justice system so it keeps the worst of society behind bars, rehabilitates offenders who will be let out, and gives the least serious, lowest risk offenders a path away from a life of crime. And that matters because intelligent reform means less crime."

He added: "We must do whatever it takes to make sure there are always enough prison places to lock up the most dangerous offenders to keep the British people safe, ensure criminals can be brought to justice and maintain safety and decency in the prison estate."