Katy Bourne, Sussex’s PCC, has welcomed the decision to exclude those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming from the government’s prisoner early-release scheme but criticised the process behind the announcement. Mrs Bourne said: "The government's decision to exclude those convicted of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming from the prisoner early-release scheme is welcome news but this climbdown should never have been necessary in the first place. "Despite numerous warnings, this government ploughed ahead not giving a thought to the anguish they were putting victims through. Mrs Bourne said she had spoken directly with victims in Sussex who received letters unexpectedly about how the early-release scheme could affect offenders in their cases. Mrs Bourne also welcomed the government’s renewed commitment to strengthen support for victims, improve communication and give victims a greater say in licence conditions for released offenders.