News

The probation service, also known as a Probation Delivery Unit (PDU*), for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has been rated as ‘Inadequate’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation – scoring just two inspection points out a possible 27.

In July 2022, the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice asked HM Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell to conduct an independent review into this case, as Jordan McSweeney was on probation when he is alleged to have committed these offences. The review was completed in January 2023.

Swindon Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Outstanding’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

On 14 December 2022, Jordan McSweeney was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 38 years, having pleaded guilty to the murder and sexual assault of Ms Zara Aleena. These offences occurred as Ms Aleena walked home, alone, with McSweeney following her, before he subjected her to a sustained physical and sexual assault. Jordan McSweeney was subject to probation supervision when these offences occurred.

Suffolk Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Requires improvement’ following a joint inspection, led by HM Inspectorate of Probation. Joint inspections are undertaken with colleagues from the police, social care, education and health sector.

The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice the Rt Hon Dominic Raab asked HM Chief Inspector of Probation Justin Russell to conduct an independent review into this case. This review was completed in January 2022 and can now be published following the completion of the criminal proceedings.

Blackburn with Darwen Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

Dorset Combined Youth Justice Service (YJS) has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection led by HM Inspectorate of Probation.

Damien Bendall murdered Terri Harris (aged 35), John Paul Bennett (aged 13), Lacey Bennett (aged 11) and Connie Gent (aged 11). He also raped Lacey. These crimes took place in September 2021 in Killamarsh, Derbyshire. He pleaded guilty in December 2022 and was later sentenced to a whole-life prison term.

Buckinghamshire Youth Offending Service (YOS) has received an overall rating of ‘Good’ following an inspection by HM Inspectorate of Probation.