WELCOME TO THE PRISONERS GUARDIAN

More offenders could be freed from prison in England and Wales with an electronic tag under government plans to simplify an early-release scheme.

The Ministry of Justice says only a fifth eligible for "home detention curfew" are currently being released.

The move may reduce pressure on prison numbers - but the type of offenders the scheme covers is not being changed.

It applies to terms of between three months and four years and excludes sex, weapon and certain other offence...