RELEASING some murderers and rapists from prison does not put the public at risk, probation officials have said.

Lynne McKay, of Essex Probation, defended the arrangement after a Freedom of Information request revealed 34 people given life sentences by Essex courts had been released into the community since 1973.

The list includes criminals convicted of killing, malicious wounding, inflicting grievous bodily harm and sexual assault.

Ms McKay said: “Most lifers in prison for murder have committed a targeted offence, usually against a family member.

“The public should not assume someone in this category will, on release, pose any risk to them. A life sentence can mean life in prison, or can be about ten years in prison, with the rest of their life on licence in the community.

“The parole board would not release anyone who was considered a serious risk.

“For instance, one Essex lifer is now on his 31st year in prison.”

The British justice systemgrants anyone given a life or an indefinite sentence for public protection no automatic right to be released. However, they are usually told the minimum time they must serve. After that time, they are eligible to apply for parole.

Of the 34 Essex lifers released since 1973, one was sent back to prison for a month for a minor offence, ten years after being released. A second was recalled to jail two months after being freed for a drugs offence and remains behind bars.

Ms McKay explained: “Some people released on licence have also been recalled during this time, not for committing an offence, but because their behaviour was deemed to pose a potential increased risk.

“For example, they may have returned to a drug or alcohol habit. After being released, a lifer can be recalled to prison at any time.”