Aurelijus Cielevicius, the driver responsible for a 2023 crash that killed three people, was deported to his native Lithuania in February after serving just over three years of a ten-and-a-half-year sentence. The deportation occurred under the UK’s Early Removal Scheme (ERS), which allows for the release of eligible foreign nationals before the completion of their sentences for the sole purpose of removal or deportation.
Changes to the Early Removal Scheme
Last year, changes to the ERS were introduced, allowing prisoners with no right to remain in the country to be considered for deportation after serving 30% of their sentence, reduced from the previous 50%. The timeframe for considering removal was also extended from 18 to 48 months before the end of a custodial sentence.
Summer Mace, who lost her mother, sister, and stepfather in the crash, learned that Cielevicius might be eligible for the ERS in October 2025. She expressed significant distress, stating, “Three years and one month is all he served for killing three people. My heart shattered.”
Concerns Over Victim Notification
Mace contacted her Member of Parliament, James Wild, who raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions on February 11. Wild subsequently received a letter on February 20 from Lord Timpson, the prisons minister, confirming Cielevicius’s eligibility for release under the ERS, having served 30% of his sentence. Still, the letter did not confirm a final decision.
On February 23, the family was informed by the Prisons and Probation service that Cielevicius had been deported that morning. Mace criticized the lack of communication, stating, “Yet again as victims we were the last to know.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Early Removal Scheme?
According to the government, the ERS enables the removal or deportation of foreign national offenders from the UK at an earlier point in their sentence than would otherwise be possible.
What happens to offenders after they are deported?
Offenders are not subject to further imprisonment after removal from the country, but are barred from ever returning to the UK and are liable to serve the rest of their sentence if they do.
When were changes made to the Early Removal Scheme?
Last year, changes were introduced allowing prisoners with no right to be in the country to face deportation after serving 30% of their prison term, rather than the previous 50%.
As the ERS continues to be utilized, it remains to be seen how the government will balance the aims of the scheme with the concerns of victims’ families and the broader public perception of justice.
