Esther McVey has demanded answers as to how three criminals who escaped prison and are deemed a risk to the public were ever allowed to be moved into an open prison.
Ms McVey said it beggars’ belief how the men, including one charged with murder ended up serving part of their sentences at HMP Leyhill, a category D prison.
Speaking in Parliament Ms McVey said: “The police have said that the prisoners who absconded from the open prison HMP Leyhill are dangerous and should not be approached by the public. How can any prisoner described as dangerous and should not be approached be in an open prison, it defies logic.”
Avon and Somerset Police are still searching for two of the missing inmates, convicted murder Matthew Armstrong and Daniel Washbourne, who has a history of violent offences. The third absconder, Aaron Thomas was caught at the weekend.
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said the decision on whether to move prisoners to open prisons lies with the parole board.
She added: “The parole board makes independent decisions and at the time of risk assessments there were no concerns raised as to the risk of harm to the public or absconding on any of the prisoners that have absconded.”
Ms McVey said it was clear the parole board assessments were flawed and needed investigation. She called for an immediate assessment of how these dangerous prisoners were moved to an open prison last year.
Ms McVey added: “A pattern is emerging Labour is becoming soft on crime and soft on criminals. The Sentencing Minister made it clear upon entering government he thinks only one third of criminals should be in prison – and so far, Labour has introduced a new Sentencing Bill which will send fewer criminals to jail and is letting out thousands of criminal early from prison. Labour is ripping apart the fabric of a safe society.”
All men have since been returned to prison.