Short prison sentences could be abolished entirely by Labor, with time behind bars replaced with community orders in new bid to reduce prison overcrowding

Short prison sentences could be abolished entirely by Labor in favor of criminals receiving community orders instead.

Ministers are reportedly set to consider the tactic as part of a government sentencing review in a new bid to reduce prison overcrowding – as the number of prisoners has reached a record high.

Earlier this year, Sir Keir Starmer launched a controversial one emergency early release scheme for prisoners to free up space in UK prisons.

However, it was heavily criticized after convicted criminals praised Labor and a mistake saw 37 prisoners, including stalkers and domestic abusers, accidentally released.

The new plan would look for long-term solutions and could be led by former justice secretary and Tory MP David Gauke, the BBC reported.

A new plan for long-term solutions to prison overcrowding could be led by former Justice Secretary and Tory MP David Gauke (pictured)

It is believed that current Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood (pictured) wants to strengthen community sentencing, possibly using electronic tags and drink detectors instead of jailing criminals

People spray sparkling wine on a man leaving Nottingham prison on the day a parole plan came into effect, September 10, 2024

It is believed that current Justice Minister Shabana Mahmood wants to strengthen community sentencing, possibly by using electronic tags and drink detectors instead of jailing criminals.

One source told the BBC that community orders could be a better alternative to prison, as convicts would not be able to ‘spend 23 hours a day on drugs’.

Figures from the Ministry of Justice show that 57 percent of adults released from sentences of less than one year ultimately reoffended.

Gauke gave several speeches in 2019 calling for a shift from short prison sentences to community sentences.

Following Labour’s early release earlier this year, Abigail Ampofo, interim director of Refuge, told the Mirror: ‘This is already an incredibly worrying time for survivors, and the continued failure of the justice system to secure the release of perpetrators of domestic abuse to avoid this plan is really disappointing.

“We are all too aware of the serious consequences that arise when the criminal justice system fails to recognize the real risk that abusers pose to the safety of survivors, and we urge the Government to take greater precautions to to ensure that no more offenders who have violated restraining orders are committed. have been released. ‘

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: ‘Public safety is our first priority.

“That’s why we’ve taken decisive action to fix the broken prison system we inherited and keep the most dangerous offenders locked up. This included blocking the early release of domestic violence offences, such as stalking and controlling behaviour.

A prisoner leaving HMP Liverpool on September 10 under the early release scheme

‘We are working with police to urgently return a very small number of perpetrators – who have been wrongly charged and convicted under repealed legislation – to custody.

“The convictions remain valid and the perpetrators have been monitored since their release and will soon be back behind bars.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said: ‘It is clear that public safety is always the Government’s first priority.

“When the government came into office, we were faced with a paralysis of the criminal justice system and the government had to take action.

‘Exceptions and safeguards have been introduced regarding blocking the earlier release of offenders.

“We are urgently working with the police to return the people you refer to, who were convicted under outdated legislation. They have all been under surveillance since their release, so they will be taken back to prison.”

Liberal Democrat justice spokesman Josh Babarinde described the error as “very shocking news” and called on the government to develop a “plan to reduce recidivism and tackle the prison backlog without delay.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: ‘The Lord Chancellor has confirmed plans to launch a sentencing inquiry, which will focus on protecting the public and reducing reoffending.

“We will soon be in a position to announce the terms of reference for this independent review and confirm its chair.”