UK prison sentences and parole

[Wiskel]

My starting point for a story is the MC's release from prison.

I need him to have been in for 6-12 months before he's released on parole having behaved himself.

Any ideas for an offence that would carry that much jail time but not make him unsympathetic? I don't want him to be a career criminal so a fight that went wrong or a single incident of fraud would serve me well if they match the sentance. I do want him to have done something wrong, so motoring offences aren't enough.

As a follow up, anyone know what hoops he'd have to jump through in his first week out? How often would he have to see his parole officer? Are there other things he'd have no choice but to do?

Thanks for your help

Craig

[Shiny]

These might be useful to you:
http://www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk/index.html
http://www.paroleboard.gov.uk/

[Wiskel]

Thank You Shiny, that's much appreciated.

Craig