Telford councillor wants government to step in over sentences for crimes against children
Sentences for people jailed for crimes against children should be reviewed by the government, a Telford councillor has said.
Councillor Stephen Bentley, ward member for Edgmond & Ercall Magna, has put forward a notice of motion for Telford & Wrekin Council calling for the authority to write to Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Justice Secretary David Lidington demanding a review of sentences for people jailed for crimes such as child trafficking.
He said the issue is a nationwide problem, and he will be calling on other councils to follow suit.
The Conservative councillor said: "It is my belief, and I think it is shared by the majority of other councillors, that if you commit that sort of crime, you should be bereft of things like parole.
"If you get a 30-year sentence, you should serve a 30-year sentence. That is my view.
"They have robbed young girls of their youth and lots of other things. They are scarred for their life.
"What sort of message does it send, not only to the victims, but potential victims, and people who are yet to come forward?
"I don't believe they should be let out until they have served their full sentence."
Councillor Bentley said he is "fully supportive" of the work that has been done by Telford's MP Lucy Allan, who recently met with Mr Lidington to discuss the release of Mubarek Ali.
This meeting was arranged after several victims of child sexual exploitation in Telford spoke to the MP about their concerns regarding Ali’s planned release from prison after serving just five years of a 14 year custodial sentence, with a further eight years on extended licence at his trial in 2012.
Because of time spent on remand before his sentence the release of Ali, 34, of Regent Street, Wellington, was triggered automatically.
At no time was the parole board involved in the decision to allow him to be freed in November.
Ali was said to be one of the ringleaders of a grooming gang caught under Operation Chalice.
The MP wanted to ask the Secretary of State how the law could be amended to ensure those currently serving sentences for such serious offences are not eligible for early release.
The law was changed under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 to ensure child rapists and terrorists are not allowed automatic release.
Though Ms Allan was told by the minister that legislation could not be applied retrospectively, Mr Lidington said he would be looking into the case to see what measures could to be taken working with the Home Office and prison service, to mitigate the fear of victims and ensure public safety.
Councillor Bentley's motion has already received cross-party support and will be seconded by Labour Councillor Paul Watling, ward member for Madeley and Sutton Hill and cabinet member with special responsibility for children and adults' early help and support.
It will be discussed at Telford & Wrekin's full council meeting next Thursday.
