Government says bail should be limited to necessary and proportionate cases after police chief’s criticism

Zafer Dogan, a 32-year-old mechanic convicted of photographing women and children and using AI to produce sexualized images, received a two-year-four-month prison term but was subsequently bailed to his Enfield residence, prompting a family of victims to relocate to temporary housing. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley publicly criticized the justice system, saying the drive to cut remand populations has resulted in “dangerous and prolific offenders” being granted bail, leaving officers feeling constrained.

The government responded that existing legislation is explicit: bail should be employed only when necessary and proportionate, with the aim of safeguarding victims, witnesses and the public during ongoing investigations. Bail and remand decisions remain the domain of independent judges or magistrates. The spokesperson also expressed sympathy for victims and highlighted recent legislation targeting AI tools used to create child sexual abuse material.