MP Lucy Allan ‘disappointed’ Government cannot intervene in release of Telford child sex fiend

Ms Allan asked in the House of Commons what assessment the Ministry of Justice has made of the adequacy of sentencing for crimes involving child sexual exploitation.

She also asked what the Government can do to ensure legislation made in the made in the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, to ensure child rapists and terrorists are not allowed automatic release is applied to Mubarek Ali.

Ali’s release after five years has been triggered automatically as, with remand, he is technically half way through the custodial element of his 22-year sentence

The 34-year-old, of Regent Street, Wellington, was given a sentence of 22 years – 14 years immediate custody and eight years on licence for seven offences including child prostitution and trafficking. Because his actual jail term was only 14 years of that total sentence, and because he served time in custody on remand before his sentence, his November release is automatic at the halfway point of his sentence.

But she was told by Dominic Raab, minister of state that there is a "robust sentencing framework for all crimes involving child sexual exploitation" and that Government "cannot intervene" in the situation.

Speaking in the Commons, he said: "I am aware of the case my honourable friend raises, and of the heinous crimes that were committed and the appalling impact they had on the victims.

"She will know that the overhaul of the sentencing framework between 2012 and 2015 means that that type of sentence would not now be passed in that type of case.

"She will also appreciate that I cannot intervene in individual cases and that changes to legislation to strengthen sentences cannot be passed retrospectively. That is the problem and challenge in this case."

Ms Allan said she is "disappointed" with the response and yesterday met with Justice Secretary David Lidington to press the issue further.

The MP will be asking the Secretary of State how the 2015 Act could be amended to ensure those currently serving sentences for such serious offences are not eligible for early release.

She said that the news that the law will not apply to offenders is a "slap in the face" for victims.

She said: "I am disappointed by the minister's response to my question. The law was changed to ensure that those convicted of the most serious crimes would serve a minimum of two thirds of their sentence. Furthermore perpetrators would face a parole board to ensure that they were no longer a risk to public safety.

"The minister said that as the convictions took place in 2012 the release date would be determined by the law in place at that time and is unaffected by any subsequent change in the law. This means that many CSE perpetrators including those convicted of child rape currently in prison will be released after serving only half the sentence and without the protection of a parole board risk assessment.

"The law was changed to tackle just such cases and it's now clear that it will not.

"This is a slap in the face for victims. It sends the message that the justice system does not recognise the severity of these crimes, committed predominantly against young women and girls.

"I am seeking assurances that the safety of the public and the victims will not be compromised. In my view if the law does not work as intended the law should be changed."