Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask Her Majesty's Government to what extent involvement as a spectator at sporting events is considered an appropriate part of the rehabilitation process for ex-offenders.

Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service do not have a specific policy in relation to spectating at sporting events for prison leavers and/or people on probation. However, we recognise that rehabilitation plans need to be tailored to individuals.

Rehabilitation of ex-offenders can take a number of forms. As well as work focusing on challenging offending behaviour, rehabilitation requires reintegration of the individual safely into the community. This involves enabling individuals to access relationships and networks that provide opportunities in work and education as well as promoting opportunities for people to get involved in community focused activities.

Participation in a sporting event is often a positive social activity and unless an individual were restricted due to the nature of their offence, we would consider this a supportive and potentially rehabilitative activity.