London riots: One in five rioters let out of prison early

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show nearly 243 convicts were released under the home detention curfew before serving half their jail sentence, according to the Daily Mail.

Of the 1,292 criminals given prison sentences by the end of June 30 this year two convicted robbers, 162 burglars, 44 thieves and 26 violent offenders were released early along with nine jailed for other offences.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Home Detention Curfew (HDC) is available to low risk prisoners serving sentences of more than three months and less than four years, who are deemed appropriate.

"To be placed on HDC, a prisoner must have served a quarter of their sentence.

"If a prison governor thinks there is a significant risk to the public, or risk of re-offending on HDC then the release will not be granted."

• A year after the riots, Britain can be proud of the Olympics

  12 Aug 2012

• London riots victim: 'It will happen again'

  06 Aug 2012

• London 2012: what a difference a year makes - from riots to gold medals in 12 months

  11 Aug 2012

• London riots: astonishing CCTV shows Ledbury chef taking on masked thug

  09 Aug 2012

• London unrecognisable from riot-torn city of 12 months ago, says Lord Coe

  06 Aug 2012