TRACY LYONS FROM PORTSMOUTH SHOCKS COMMUNITY AFTER EARLY RELEASE FROM BRONZEFIELD PRISON IN SURREY

In December 2016, the community was rocked by the news of Tracy Lyons, formerly of Portsmouth, now residing in Southampton, being released early from prison after serving just nine months of a four-year sentence. Lyons, who is also known as Tracy Lockyer, had been convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving children, and her release has sparked outrage among local residents and child protection advocates alike.

Lyons, aged 41 at the time of her release, was sentenced in January of the same year to a total of four years in prison. However, due to her time spent on remand while awaiting her court hearing, she was released from Bronzefield Prison in Surrey after serving approximately two years behind bars. Her early release has been met with widespread condemnation, especially from organizations dedicated to safeguarding children.

Her criminal record includes guilty pleas to charges such as assault of a child by penetration, sexual assault of a child under 13, causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of distributing indecent photographs of children. The severity of her crimes was underscored during her sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, where Judge Mr. Justice Royce described her actions as “disturbing,” “deeply worrying,” and “despicable.”

In his judgment, the judge imposed an extended sentence of seven years, which comprised four years of imprisonment and an additional five years on licence. Lyons was also prohibited from working with children for life and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register, reflecting the serious nature of her offenses and the ongoing risk she posed to the community.

Following her release, representatives from child protection charities expressed their outrage. Claude Knights, of Kidscape, stated, “This early release is a betrayal of the victims and their families whose suffering will continue for years.” The community’s concern is compounded by the fact that Lyons has a history of preying on children and sharing explicit images of minors, which has left many feeling vulnerable and betrayed.

In response, a spokeswoman from the Ministry of Justice emphasized that they do not comment on individual cases but reiterated that public protection remains their top priority. She explained that serious sex offenders released from prison are subject to strict supervision by both the Probation Service and police, with conditions that must be strictly adhered to. Breaching these conditions could result in recall to custody. Additionally, she highlighted that under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, offenders serving determinate sentences typically serve half their time in prison and the remainder in the community, under supervision.

In October 2011, Lyons was already under scrutiny when she was released early from her initial sentence. At that time, she was seen in a Midlands town, eyeing children and shopping for engagement rings, which caused alarm among local residents. She was wearing glasses and lighter hair, attempting to alter her appearance, and was observed staring at a young boy outside a Post Office where she had just opened a current account. Witnesses reported that Lyons appeared to be trying to blend into her surroundings, indicating her awareness of her notoriety.

Lyons’s criminal history includes her role as a nursery helper involved in the sexual abuse of children and sharing explicit images with others involved in a sex ring led by Colin Blanchard, aged 41. Her early release was attributed to her time spent on remand, and she was expected to remain on licence until 2016. Her return to Portsmouth has been met with hostility; local residents, including her former friend Trina Jones, 31, have warned that Lyons faces hostility if she attempts to return to her hometown. Jones described her as “total scum” and warned she would not last five minutes if she came back.

The case continues to evoke strong emotions, highlighting the ongoing debate about the management and supervision of sex offenders after their release from prison, especially those convicted of crimes involving children.