Sex offenders could face mandatory chemical castration

Killers, rapists and serious violent offenders will be freed from prison earlier and sex offenders face mandatory chemical castration under the biggest shake up of sentencing laws for 30 years.

Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, is to accept recommendations by an independent review to free serious sexual and violent offenders halfway through their sentences, rather than two thirds, if they engage with rehabilitative schemes and obey prison rules.