British journalist for the BBC
Big changes to England and Wales’ criminal justice system are moving forward as overcrowding drives policy decisions. Government plans to accelerate prison construction and expand early release schemes have been revised after public backlash and safety concerns. Officials are also deporting foreign prisoners and reviewing IPP sentences to free up space, with new measures to monitor released prisoners.
The Russell Brand trial has heard from multiple complainants across ten years, with charges including rape, sexual assault and indecent assault. Brand denies all charges as the case unfolds in Southwark Crown Court, with witnesses detailing alleged assaults dating from 1999 to 2009.