Recent early prison releases have faced scrutiny due to errors, but Mahmood assured that mistakes from previous releases have been addressed.

Concerns have been raised about the potential for the system to fail in effectively excluding sex offenders and domestic abusers from early release.

Among those released is Daniel Dowling-Brooks, who expressed remorse for his past actions and plans to reconnect with his family after serving seven years for kidnap and grievous bodily harm.

The Ministry of Justice has temporarily reduced the time inmates must serve from 50% to 40% due to the ongoing overcrowding issues.

This initiative follows a second wave of early releases, which began today, targeting inmates serving short sentences, specifically those serving over five years who can be released after serving 40% of their sentence.

A source from the justice secretary's office defended the decision, attributing the current overcrowding crisis to the previous government's mismanagement.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has warned that prisons could run out of space, jeopardizing the justice system's ability to accommodate convicted criminals.

Mahmood confirmed that the second wave of early releases will proceed, with some inmates being released after serving only 40% of their sentences.

The review of sentencing practices aims to ensure that punishments maintain public confidence while managing the increasing prison population, which grows by 4,500 annually.

Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel has called for the suspension of the early release scheme, citing public safety concerns regarding sex offenders and violent criminals.

Mahmood disputed claims from a probation officers' union regarding high recall rates for early released prisoners, stating that the rates are in line with normal expectations.

The UK government is set to release 1,100 inmates early next week as part of a scheme designed to alleviate prison overcrowding.