Early release scheme won’t work without us, says ex-prisoner

Dale said involving ex-offenders in developing solutions would “drastically reduce the amount of people being recalled to prison”.

“A lot of them can just end up sleeping on the streets,” he said.

“You’d be very, very lucky if you got a house or accommodation after leaving prison.

“So when it comes to either sleeping on the streets or having a warm bed and a meal – they choose the warm bed and a meal.

“And if they’ve got to go and commit a petty crime to do that – that’s what they do.

“There are people who will go out on a Tuesday and be back by Wednesday.

“It’s effectively their home and it is the saddest thing in the world.”

According to the Ministry of Justice, only around 20% of prison recalls are associated with a further offence charge.

Nearly three quarters of recalls are associated with non-compliance with licence conditions, such as failing to keep in touch with probation or failing to reside in approved premises.

Dale said this is where ex-prisoner support networks are able to provide support which probation officers cannot.

“Probation is a great thing,” he said. “But it is not always taken up.

“The lads don’t engage as well with the support that’s already on offer because it’s not someone who’s been in their position.

“Once the lads know that you’ve been in their position they’re a lot more receptive to the advice you’re giving them.”