Revealed: Record number of ex-offenders charged with serious new crimes while on probation

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Victims’ advocates told The Independent the increase was “very worrying”, as HM chief inspector of probation warned high caseloads and pressures on the overstretched probation service were undermining its ability to keep the public safe. There were also 132 convictions over serious new crimes committed by ex-offenders on Mappa arrangements in a rise of 15 per cent on the previous year, according to Ministry of Justice figures. Describing the rise as “very worrying”, victims’ commissioner, Baroness Newlove, told The Independent: “When offenders are released into the community, the safety of victims and the public is paramount.” open image in gallery The Independent has previously reported on warnings that some new criminal trials are not being listed until 2027 Ms Newlove added: “If victims are to have faith in the justice system, they must be confident offenders are being managed effectively in the community and in no doubt they will be recalled to custody if their behaviour gives cause for concern. “It is vital that the service continues to prioritise risk assessment and management to minimise the likelihood of SFOs occurring.” A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Serious further offences are incredibly rare, with less than 0.5 per cent of offenders under probation supervision being convicted of one.