Victims and the media would be allowed to apply to attend parole hearings under reforms pledged by the Conservatives.

The Tories said they wanted to reform the parole system, which has been accused of not being transparent enough following a successful court challenge last year over the proposed release of serial sex attacker John Worboys.

Following that controversy, the government undertook reforms that forced parole boards to publish the reasoning for their decisions and gave victims the right to challenge release decisions on violent offenders.

The Tories said there would be a further root-and-branch review of prisoner release arrangements under a Conservative-majority government, which would include allowing victims and the media to apply to attend parole hearings.



Under a package of policies for victims of crime, the party said it would increase by 25% the victims surcharge – a fine on offenders that goes towards refuges and community support for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. It also said it would enshrine the rights of victims in law to guarantee the level of support they should receive. Read more

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