SHOCKING footage shows the moment a lag released early from jail was re-arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault seconds later.
Around 1,700 convicts were released early after Keir Starmer’s controversial plans to ease pressure on the justice system came into force yesterday.
And one lag was seen being detained almost immediately after he walked out during a mass freeing of inmates at Wandsworth Prison in London.
Footage shows the man walking out of the gates of the jail yesterday morning before realising that cops were waiting for him.
He allowed himself to be cuffed and led away into a waiting van that took him to a nearby police station.
It has now emerged the man, 28, was arrested on suspicion of rape, sex assault and a racially aggravated public order offence.
A Met Police spokesperson told The Sun: “A 28-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and a racially/religiously aggravated public order offence.
“He was taken to a south London police station before being bailed pending further enquiries in relation to the allegation of rape.
“No further action will be taken in connection with the other allegations.”
It is unclear when the alleged rape took place.
It comes as lags danced in the streets and celebrated their newfound freedom after over 1,000 convicts were set free after serving a fraction of their sentences.
The new policy saw prisoners released after completing 40 per cent of their sentence – rather than the standard 50 per cent – in a bid to free up 5,500 beds.
One lag was even seen jumping into a £200,000 Lamborghini just seconds after being freed early under Labour’s controversial scheme.
The prisoner at HMP Pentonville was met by a group of friends as he left jail on Tuesdaymorning – before hopping into the super car and driving off.
Other ex-convicts were seen jumping into fancy motors with a Bentley also spotted driving off.
Lags being released early from jail are reportedly being handed McDonald’s vouchers and cash by prisons under a controversial new scheme.
It is now understood some freed inmates are being handed supermarket vouchers, as well as help with onward transport.
Convicts are also being put up in hotels rather than bail hostels under the radical plans.
But not all victims of crime were made aware of their offenders’ early release date, the victims’ commissioner for England and Wales said, warning that some victims may not have had the opportunity to seek “protective measures”.
The scheme comes despite concerns over re-offending with offenders being let out having served less than half of their sentences in a bid to free up space behind bars.
Being released on licence means that offenders must adhere to restrictions for the rest of their sentence, including curfews and tagging, and will be supervised by probation officers.
The government said offenders jailed for violent offences with sentences of at least four years, sex offenders and domestic abusers were not eligible for early release.
