‘It’s bittersweet’: MoJ sentencing changes will bring freedom for some

Overhaul announced by MoJ only applies to offenders not currently in jail - which some say does not go far enough

• Over 1,800 offenders to have indefinite jail sentences terminated, says MoJ

A man who is set to have his indefinite licence period terminated under changes to a much-maligned scheme has said it will give him back his freedom but expressed sympathy for those stuck in jail who will not benefit.

Marc Conway, 43, received an imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentence with a minimum term of five and a half years for armed robbery, but served just over eight years before being released on licence. Last month marked five years since he was released on licence, meaning he will be eligible to have his sentence immediately terminated under the changes, which allow for this to happen after three years in the community if the Parole Board agrees (down from 10 years), or five years at the latest.