Home Secretary defends not excluding rapists from initial early prison release scheme

Brooke Davies | Senior News reporter Published August 22, 2026 1:46pm Updated August 22, 2026 1:46pm Elliott Appleyard was jailed for repeatedly raping his own daughter. He was told originally he was part of the early release scheme (Picture: PA) The Home Secretary has defended not excluding rapists from the early release scheme from the start, despite victims saying they were worried for their lives. Andy Burnham has paused plans to free prisoners early after a public outcry over the release of PC Andrew Harper’s and one of Daejaun Campbell’s killers. A review of the scheme is set to be published once Parliament is back in session in September, with it expected to still go ahead in October. But the Prime Minister has removed the right of those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences