LONDON, ENGLAND - Victims of crime could be given a say on whether offenders should be freed from jail, under plans being considered by the home secretary. John Reid said victims or their representatives would be appointed to parole boards from next month.

It comes amid increasing concern that the rights of offenders are being given too much prominence and controversy over the early release of criminals. Mr Reid told the Parole Board victims' voices "must be heard more clearly". Ahead of the speech, a Parole Board spokesman said it would listen with interest to what the home secretary said.

Mr Reid said: "I tell you today that I want to go further in ensuring that victims or their representatives get a greater say about the release of offenders back into the community.

"I believe that the victim's voice must be heard more clearly than it has in the past.
"That is why we're already interviewing for members, with experience of either being a victim, or of a victim support organisation.

"And I can tell you that by June, the first members with that experience will have been appointed to parole boards."

But the Home Office said the victim of a particular crime would not be sitting on the parole board hearing of that offender. Concern over the rights of offenders versus victims has been highlighted by the report into the Anthony Rice case.

Earlier this month, the report concluded Rice, 48, a violent sex attacker who murdered a woman nine months after leaving prison, should never have been set free.