The early release scheme outlined in the upcoming Sentencing Act was halted before its September implementation.
The decision was announced by the mayor, who cited public safety concerns after reports that two individuals convicted of murdering a police officer could be released within weeks.
The mayor stated that no prisoners will be released under the policy until an urgent review is completed and any necessary changes are made.
The review is set to take place in the coming days and weeks, with rapid decisions required to minimize risk to the public.
The case of Fenella Hawes, a 20‑year‑old who was killed in a hit‑and‑run by a drunk driver, has intensified public outrage.
Her family described the prospect of the driver’s early release as “petrifying” and urged that any offender responsible for a death be excluded from the scheme.
The driver, identified as Waite, received a seven‑year prison sentence for the fatal incident, a term the family argues does not reflect the loss of a young life.
In a victim impact statement, the victim’s mother recounted daily grief and the irreversible loss caused by the drunk driver’s actions.
The mayor emphasized that keeping the public safe remains the top priority and that no releases will occur until the review is concluded.
Officials will consider amendments to ensure that individuals convicted of causing death are not eligible for early release under the new policy.
