Suspected murderers and rapists ‘left to roam free’ by police bail shake-up
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: 'This news will do nothing but undermine public confidence in our criminal justice system.'
THOUSANDS of suspected killers, rapists and thugs were left free to roam the streets after a shake-up to bail rules.
More than 3,000 arrested for violent and sex offences were released under investigation after being questioned, figures showed.
It meant they were under no restrictions as use of police bail was curtailed.
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said: “This news will do nothing but undermine public confidence in our criminal justice system. Potential victims of serious crime must be protected.”
Last April, new rules kicked in to stop those arrested being kept under a cloud of suspicion while on bail for a long time.
Police bail can be used only when deemed “necessary and proportionate”.
The figures, covering April to June last year, came from just 12 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales after a BBC Freedom of Information request.
They showed 6,683 suspects questioned over violent or sexual crimes were released without further action, while another 2,430 were charged.
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But a further 3,149 were released under investigation. They included 31 murder suspects and 768 rape suspects.
The Home Office said a review of use of bail was under way.
But it added: “Reforms to pre-charge bail balance carefully the interests of victims and witnesses, those on bail and the police.”
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