Ananova:

Victims of all serious crimes are to be told when their attackers are due to be let out of jail, Home Secretary Jack Straw promises.

In an article for the Sunday People newspaper, Mr Straw pledges to extend new laws so victims of attacks, robberies and even burglaries can be told of offenders' release dates.

The move follows the near-fatal assault on ex-Beatle George Harrison and his wife Olivia. They were furious that they would not be told when their attacker is to be set free.

In his article, Mr Straw said: "Few things could be more distressing than suddenly facing your attacker at the local shop or pub when you thought they were behind bars."

He said: "Putting victims back at the heart of the justice system has been my guiding preoccupation as Home Secretary.

"And when I read and hear of experiences like those like George and Olivia Harrison it intensifies my determination.

"Victims are understandably concerned that even if their attackers have been sent to prison there is now way of knowing when they will be released.

"I believe victims of crime have a right to know when those who have offended against them are released from jail."

A Bill now going through Parliament will give the victims of sex crimes the right to know the release date of their attacker and is expected to become law by Christmas.

Mr Straw said: "I want to go further. I want that right to be extended to all victims of serious crime.

"So in the New Year I will be announcing proposals so that the victims of all prisoners serving a sentence of 12 months or more are notified of their release date."