THE government’s outsourcing of probation services was condemned today in a “damning” and “deeply troubling” report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) chief Dame Glenys Stacey.

The watchdog investigated how ex-offenders are being handled across Dorset, Devon and Cornwall by community rehabilitation company Working Links.

Ms Stacey branded the company “inadequate,” the lowest possible rating. The firm has now announced it is going into administration.