Sutton man recalled to prison after probation meeting lapse

Roman Scott, 35, of Brunswick Road in Sutton, has been returned to prison after a probation meeting was terminated due to his intoxication. Scott had been sentenced to 17 months on 25 September for public exposure offences and failing to comply with sex offender register notification requirements. He had been held on remand since March and qualified for early release, serving only one week of his sentence before being freed on 1 October.

Probation meeting failure

On the same day as his release, Scott attended his first probation meeting at a Probation Delivery Unit. A probation officer familiar with his case told Croydon Magistrates’ Court that Scott appeared intoxicated, confused, and disoriented. The officer stated that Scott fell asleep in the waiting area, lying across chairs. The appointment could not proceed safely due to his presentation, and it was terminated. The officer noted that Scott's behaviour indicated a likelihood of further offending and posed a risk to the public, making his recall to prison necessary.

Scott reportedly contacted probation on 7 October, begging for another chance. He was advised to surrender to a police station as a warrant for his arrest had been issued the following day when he failed to attend court. He has since been apprehended by the Metropolitan Police and is back in custody.

Concerns over early release

The case has highlighted concerns regarding early release schemes. Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams has written to politicians expressing his worries. He stated that while the pressures on the criminal justice system are recognised, these should not be transferred to policing without acknowledgement. Det Ch Supt Williams described it as disheartening for officers to repeatedly arrest the same offenders, only to see them released and reoffend. He warned that this situation is likely to worsen as more individuals are released early.

A government spokesperson commented that the offender is rightly back in custody. The spokesperson added that the government inherited a prison system facing significant challenges and has taken action to prevent further risks to victims and communities. Measures highlighted include increasing neighbourhood police officers, introducing stricter licence controls, expanding electronic tagging, investing in probation, and creating additional prison places.