Daniel is Free by Hugh Costello

Available for over a year

New drama, inspired by the recent early-release of prisoners. Given his freedom sooner than expected thanks to a government early-release scheme, 26-year-old Daniel returns to his parents’ home – and faces a choice between atoning for his sins or profiting a second time from his crime. Daniel was sentenced to 10 years for helping to create a fake crypto-currency that scammed ordinary people out of substantial sums of money. Like most prisoners, he expected to serve 50% of the sentence. But the government, determined to reduce the prison population, introduces a new pilot-scheme where prisoners like Daniel, whose crimes were non-violent and who have shown a strong commitment to reforming their ways, are released after serving 40% of their term. Daniel’s release does not go unnoticed. Questions are asked in the media. Should a man who cynically swindled members of the public be returned to society before paying his dues? How can it be guaranteed that he won't ruin more lives? Daniel’s parents, Alice and Frank don’t see eye to eye about the release and there are complications. His parole officer Sheena spells out how careful Daniel has to be to avoid re-incarceration. , but his only friend on the outside is his former cellmate, Mark. DANIEL Shaun Chambers ALICE Jane Slavin FRANK Ian Conningham CATHERINE Lizzy McInnerny SHEENA Alex Constantinidi MARK Matthew Aubrey Written by Hugh Costello Director Eoin O’Callaghan A Big Fish Radio production for BBC Radio 4