A convicted Islamic State terrorist, Isaac El Matari, is set to be released from prison on Sunday after serving a five-year sentence, despite authorities having the power to extend his detention. El Matari, who was sentenced in 2021 for terrorism offences linked to his plans to establish an ISIS stronghold in the Blue Mountains, had discussed attacks on Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral and the US embassy, and had previously attempted to join ISIS in Lebanon. He was arrested in 2019 alongside Naveed Akram, the alleged gunman in the Bondi Beach terror attack, during a counter-terrorism investigation. Prosecutors are compiling evidence from over 800 witnesses against Akram, who faces 78 charges related to the Bondi attack. El Matari's case has been closely tied to Akram's, with intelligence authorities continuing to monitor Akram as a residual security risk. The Australian Federal Police have sought court-imposed restrictions on El Matari's movements and activities, including a potential 12-month interim control order. The Department of Home Affairs did not apply for a continued detention order that could have kept him in prison for another five years. During his sentencing in 2021, Justice Peter Garling noted El Matari had not acquired weapons, recruited followers, or developed detailed attack plans. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission also found NSW Police had unlawfully used counter-terrorism powers in a covert search involving El Matari in 2022. El Matari was previously imprisoned in Lebanon after attempting to join ISIS, and was arrested in 2019 alongside Radwan Dakkak, who was later jailed for terrorism-related offences and subjected to a control order. Dakkak was arrested again just two weeks after his release for breaching restrictions. The Nightly has contacted the Department of Home Affairs and Australian Federal Police for comment.

Bridget Phillipson says government would not have to consider releasing prisoners early if Tories had created more capacity

The family of Kaylan Hippsley, a 13-year-old boy killed in a hit-and-run incident on Brecon Road in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, has expressed profound devastation after being informed that the driver, Harley Whiteman, will face early release from prison. Originally sentenced to six years and nine months for causing Kaylan's death on 29 February 2024, Whiteman's sentence was increased to nine years following an appeal by Kaylan's family. However, under the UK government's Sentencing Act early release scheme, his term has been reduced to four years, with potential release in autumn 2026. The court heard Whiteman had been drinking and taking cocaine before fleeing the scene, later returning to swear at bystanders who tried to help Kaylan. His actions led to a fatal collision where he struck Kaylan, throwing him into the air. Despite the initial increase in sentence, the family now faces the prospect of Whiteman's early release, which they describe as deeply unjust. Julie Craig, Kaylan's cousin, criticized the decision, arguing that the prison system's capacity issues should not override victims' rights. The Ministry of Justice defended its stance, citing the need to prevent overcrowding and maintain public safety. The case highlights tensions between legal sentencing guidelines and the emotional impact on families seeking justice.

The senior investigating officer in the PC Andrew Harper case has expressed deep concern that two of the killers will become eligible for early release. PC Harper, 28, died from catastrophic injuries in 2019 after being dragged behind a getaway car by three teenagers who fled the scene of a quad bike theft. Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers, two of the perpetrators, will be eligible for early release next year under revised government plans to address prison overcrowding. Their sentences of 13 years for manslaughter will allow them to serve half their terms instead of two-thirds. PC Harper's widow, Lissie Harper, has joined calls to block their release, emphasizing the lack of remorse shown during their trial. The government's decision to exclude certain offenders from early release schemes has sparked debate, with Justice Secretary Alex Norris highlighting the need to avoid prison capacity crises. The case has ignited public outcry, with victims' families demanding justice and accountability.

Lonnie Dawson, a former leader of the Philadelphia Black Mafia, has been released from prison after serving 43 years. Learn more about his release and impact.

Victim Support ACT (VSACT) has experienced a substantial increase in demand since assuming responsibility for the ACT adult offenders register in December 2022. The number of registered victims has grown from 149 to 504, representing a 238 per cent increase. VSACT also manages the youth justice register, with 42 registered victims, and the affected persons register, with 17 people, bringing the total number of registered victims receiving updates to 563. Commissioner Juliette Ford said a team of four staff members keeps victims informed about offender management while allowing individuals to choose how much information they wish to receive. The growth in registrations comes as scrutiny continues over ACT Corrective Services' transitional release program following the case of double murderer Scott McDougall. Victims' families were distressed after discovering that changes to McDougall's prison security classification had not been communicated to them because of a systemic information-sharing gap between ACT Corrective Services and VSACT that existed after the register's transfer. McDougall's application for the transitional release program was ultimately rejected, but the case prompted criticism from victims' families, police and the broader community. ACT Corrective Services has since committed to reviewing the transitional release program policy and consulting victims during the process, with consultation planned for July and August 2026. Commissioner Ford, appointed in February 2026, said she had not previously been briefed on the communication gap and welcomed the opportunity to recommend improvements during the policy review. Victims' advocates, including Julie Tattersall's sister Amy Butterworth, have called for changes to prevent violent life-sentenced offenders from becoming eligible for community-based transition programs and to ensure victims receive timely information about decisions affecting offender management.