More sex offenders freed on bail as justice system strains, police warn

Police warn more sex offenders could be released on bail rather than jailed as England and Wales courts and prisons face severe pressure.

• Zafer Dogan was jailed Thursday for two years and four months after courts repeatedly bailed him to the flat overlooking the playground he targeted.
• Police sources said they feared more offenders across England and Wales would be freed on bail rather than remanded in custody.
• Met commissioner Mark Rowley called Dogan's bail "unfathomable," and victims' commissioner Andrea Simon said victims were "grossly failed."
• The NPCC estimated early prisoner release would cost policing £480m and increase crime by up to 6%.