Early prison release becomes tougher

How many times have you heard on this newscast that criminals have been sentenced to five, ten, or twenty years in prison and wondered whether they actually serve their full time behind bars? It’s a good question…and if you had a sneaking suspicion that most convicted felons seemed to be prematurely walking the streets… you’d be right. But sources in the judiciary indicate to News 5 that the practice of early release will now be more difficult, thanks to a clarification of the Prison Act. It seems that the clause in the Act allowing for a one-third reduction in a prisoner’s sentence for “good behaviour” was being granted by authorities on an automatic basis. Under the new interpretation, an inmate must now formally apply for a remission of the sentence and catalogue just how good that behaviour was. Prison officials will then meet to review the prisoner’s history behind bars and decide what, if any, relief should be given.