Domestic abuse survivor warns of early release danger
A domestic abuse survivor has warned about the danger of early release of violent offenders under the new sentencing act, raising concerns about public safety.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A domestic abuse survivor has spoken out about the danger of early release for violent offenders under the government's new Sentencing Act, warning that victims are being left unprotected.
Molly Cousins, who waived her right to anonymity, said she was 'on edge every day' after learning that her ex-partner Daniel Bowler could be freed after serving only 15 months of a five-year sentence. Bowler was jailed for controlling and coercive behaviour, strangulation, suffocation, sharing intimate photos, assault, harassment and criminal damage. The attack took place while Molly was holding her baby.
Under the Sentencing Act passed this year, some offenders will now serve 33% of their sentence in prison, down from 40% or 50%. The policy is intended to tackle prison overcrowding in England and Wales. But survivors of rape and child abuse have reacted with 'horror and panic' after being told their perpetrators may be eligible for early release.
Molly received two letters in June: one explaining the change in release rules, and another warning that any future contact between Bowler and her children should be approached with caution because of his 'established pattern of harm'. She said she had only just started to feel safe after the original five-year sentence, and now feels she has gone 'back five steps'.
Figures obtained by the Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy show that nearly 9,000 victims and survivors of sexual and violent crimes have been warned that their attackers could be released early. Molly questioned whether she would be adequately protected, pointing out that Bowler had breached bail conditions in the past by contacting her repeatedly.
The government has said that without 'decisive action' prisons will run out of space, leaving nowhere for serious offenders to be locked up. It added that the most dangerous offenders are automatically blocked from early release, and that those released will face tough restrictions. Molly is now campaigning for a review of the early release policy and current sentencing guidelines, asking why perpetrators should serve shorter sentences when victims live with their trauma for life.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 4 |
|---|---|
| A perpetrator named Molly could serve only 15 months of a five-year sentence under new early release rules. | |
| Nearly 9,000 victims and survivors of sexual and violent crimes were warned their attackers could be released early. | |
| The government said without decisive action prisons will run out of space, leaving nowhere for serious offenders. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
Channel 4 focused heavily on the personal story of Molly Cousins, using her emotional testimony to highlight the human cost of the early release policy. The report contrasted the government's justification of prison overcrowding with the fear and trauma experienced by victims. The tone was sympathetic to survivors and critical of the policy's impact on public safety.
- “I'm on edge every day and I check my emails about a hundred times a day. But if he is released without my knowledge and he passes me on the street, just for the sake of not having enough room in prison.”
- “You're not helping victims. You're not supporting victims. You're supporting offenders.”
- “It's like I've gone back five steps and I'm back in that place I was wanting. I was just starting to feel safe.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.