After attacker released without GPS tag, domestic violence survivor says she is living in terror
Release without promised tag
Michelle’s former partner punched her, threatened her with a knife and kicked in her front door. After his release from prison on 15 October, she said, her police liaison officer told her a GPS tag would be fitted, but weeks later it had not been.
Fear and upheaval at home
She said she had to leave her rented five-bedroom house and move into a caravan, following advice from the council. Her former partner is the father of her three-year-old boy.
Delays in fitting trackers
The report said one major reason for delays was offenders not being at the agreed address when contractors arrived. This accounted for a third of the 5,000 people in the community without tags. The report’s author said documented performance problems, public-protection concerns and the availability of experienced public-sector workers made a formal assessment of bringing the work in-house compelling.
MP and contractor respond
A Serco spokesperson said the company tried to fit a monitoring device to everyone required to wear one. If fitting was not possible, or someone breached release conditions, the company reported the matter to the relevant authorities, who decide whether to take further action.
Key points
- Michelle says her former partner was released without the GPS tag she had been told would be fitted.
- He was twice recalled to prison for breaching conditions to stay away from her.
- Inspectors found nearly half of offenders are not tagged promptly after release.
- Serco says it reports failed fittings and breaches to the relevant authorities.