Jailed far-right rioters could be released EARLY under new Labour scheme to tackle overcrowding in prisons - despite judges handing thugs sentences totalling 32 years so far

Rioters are set to be released less than half through their sentence under the Government's scheme to tackle overcrowding,despite Labour boasting of their tough approach against far-right thugs. 

Ministers announced last month that inmates would be freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentence,compared to 50 per cent previously. 

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the rule would not apply to violent offenders serving more than four years,sex offenders,or those in prison for crimes connected to domestic abuse. 

However,all the rioters sentenced as of yesterday have received less than the four year limit,meaning they will be eligible for release at the 40 per cent mark. 

Riot thugs have been jailed for a total of 32 years so far,with the longest sentence handed to Derek Drummond,58,for punching a police officer in the face during a riot in Southport. Under the scheme,he could be out in just over a year. 

It comes as - 

Ministers vow they will remain 'vigilant' over threat of far-right thugs amid fears of fresh riots as football season begins tonight;

Teenager,19,who was at the front of far-right mob pelting riot police with stones,bottles and cans and chanting Tommy Robinson's name is jailed;

Tommy Robinson posts video of himself eating lamb dish in Athens after taunting police in Cyprus by revealing he'd already left luxury hotel;

Thousands of police officers remain on high alert despite most of Wednesday's 100 far-right demonstration failing to materialise. 

Police were pelted with objects by a crowd of thugs in Southport last Tuesday 

The family of the unnamed girl condemned the violence,saying: 'We were deeply saddened by the recent disorder and the attacks on our police force.

'It is important to highlight that,when the horrific events unfolded,our police officers were the first on the scene. We are immensely grateful to the officers who stood by our daughter's side,providing assistance and support.'

The grandfather of six-year-old victim Bebe King also called for calm. Michael Weston King,62,wrote on social media: 'I won't comment on what has happened around the country in the aftermath,other than to say peace,love and understanding is what we need,and it is all we need. Nothing else.'

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'The Government has brought in over 500 new prison places early,to ensure there is a cell waiting for everyone involved in the recent disorder and thuggery.

'The Lord Chancellor was forced to introduce the emergency capacity measures last month,to address the prison crisis the Government inherited.'

Tommy RobinsonKeir StarmerTom Tugendhat