28/03/2008

Terrorism Convict Released Early

The Ministry for Justice has confirmed that a man convicted of a terrorism offence has been released early to reduce jail overcrowding.

Yassin Nassari, 28, who served just over seven months of a three and a half year sentence was arrested at Luton airport with blueprints for a rocket in his luggage.

Nassari was released from Wakefield jail maximum-security unit under the 'end of custody licence' scheme, 17 days before his official release date.

Under the terms of the government's early release scheme, inmates are eligible to leave jail 18 days earlier than usually expected.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: "In line with normal practise concerning prisoners released on ECL, the Prison Service made arrangements with the relevant police and probation services to ensure that they were aware of his release.

"This individual is subject to licence conditions and multi-agency public protection arrangements."

The Metropolitan Police said at the time of his conviction that he had the "ideology, ability and determination to find and download material which was useful for terrorism".

Peter Clarke, now retired boss of Counter Terrorism Command said: "He communicated with other like-minded people and share their interest in gruesome extremist material.

"What he intended to do upon his return to the UK is unclear. However, it is possible that his research could have ended up in the hands of individuals or groups willing to put it into practise."

Figures due to be released on Monday will show that more than 20,000 offenders have been released early since the scheme came into effect last year.

Around 700 prisoners have been recalled for not abiding to the conditions of the scheme but 125 have not responded.

(DS)

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