Inaccurate Assessment by Probation Officers Resulted in Murder, Rape Cases: Watchdog

Undated still from a police bodyworn camera of police arresting Damien Bendall outside the house where he killed his girlfriend and three children in Killamarsh, Derbyshire, in September 2021. Derbyshire Police

Probation officers fail to properly identify the risk offenders present to the public and prevent violent and sexual offences like murder and rape, according to a new report.

HM Inspectorate of Probation looked at 86 serious further offence (SFO) cases by offenders who are under probation supervision or have very recently been under probation supervision at the time of the offence.