Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what risk assessment is carried out on offenders convicted of stalking and exhibiting fixated behaviour before they are released from custody, including under early release arrangements; and what steps he is taking to help safeguard victims on their release.

Before offenders convicted of stalking, which may have involved exhibiting fixated behaviour, are released from custody, including under early release arrangements, probation practitioners will conduct a thorough risk assessment, taking account of information which they receive from enquiries made of the Police in order to identify the licence conditions and other controls needed to manage the risks which offenders present to their victims and to the general public. Probation practitioners will also take account of representations which victims make to their victim liaison officers as to the conditions they wish included in the post-release licence, for their protection and peace of mind. In the more complex cases, practitioners will also take into account a specialist assessment produced by a qualified psychologist.

Offenders released on licence are subject to a set of standard licence conditions and, where necessary to manage risk and protect victims, they may also be made subject to additional conditions such as exclusion zones, non-contact conditions and location monitoring. If they breach these conditions and risk is no longer manageable in the community, they may be recalled to prison.

From October, new tougher powers will include restriction zones, and the ability to prohibit offenders from driving, attending public events, or entering pubs, clubs and bars.

To support victims affected or concerned about prisoner releases, we will create a national helpline, offering emotional support, practical advice such as safety planning, and signposting to onward services.