Some non-violent prisoners who have served 40% of their sentence have been released across the country.
1,100 convicts have been allowed to leave before their full sentence as the Labour government looks to tackle overcrowded prisons. Figures show the number of people being incarcerated is increasing.
Graph showing prison population projection
The prison population in England and Wales has risen by 93% in the past 30 years.
HMP Pentonville, a London prison built in 1842 has remained largely unchanged structurally for 180 years. The jail was dangerously close to capacity as it was originally designed to hold 520 people. It now has an operational capacity of 1,205 people with two prisoners packed into each cell.
Shabana Mahmood said the Ministry of Justice is launching a review into sentencing to solve the prison crisis . She wants to ensure the government is not forced into releasing prisoners early again due to capacity issues.
David Gauke, former Tory Chancellor will oversee the review.
Mahmood also spoke to parliament suggesting one year sentences may be scrapped.
House arrest sentences may increase and more frequent deportation of foreign criminals may also alleviate pressure off overcrowded prison sentences.
City News spoke to ex-prisoner, Antony, who now campaigns for justice reform charity Revolving Doors. He has voiced concerns over the sentencing review.
There is a number of issues with the policy itself. Prison should have never got that overcrowded and I think it does alleviate the physical pressure of the number of people in custody. But what it’s not doing is addressing why the system was so overwhelmed.
The review should submit it’s findings in full to the Lord Chancellor by Spring 2025.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineIndependent review to re-evaluate prison sentencing framework
Short HeadlinePrison sentencing review underway to tackle overcrowding
StandfirstJustice Secretary Shabana Mahmood promises early releases won't happen again
Some non-violent prisoners who have served 40% of their sentence have been released across the country.
1,100 convicts have been allowed to leave before their full sentence as the Labour government looks to tackle overcrowded prisons. Figures show the number of people being incarcerated is increasing.
Graph showing prison population projection
The prison population in England and Wales has risen by 93% in the past 30 years.
HMP Pentonville, a London prison built in 1842 has remained largely unchanged structurally for 180 years. The jail was dangerously close to capacity as it was originally designed to hold 520 people. It now has an operational capacity of 1,205 people with two prisoners packed into each cell.
Shabana Mahmood said the Ministry of Justice is launching a review into sentencing to solve the prison crisis . She wants to ensure the government is not forced into releasing prisoners early again due to capacity issues.
David Gauke, former Tory Chancellor will oversee the review.
Mahmood also spoke to parliament suggesting one year sentences may be scrapped.
House arrest sentences may increase and more frequent deportation of foreign criminals may also alleviate pressure off overcrowded prison sentences.
City News spoke to ex-prisoner, Antony, who now campaigns for justice reform charity Revolving Doors. He has voiced concerns over the sentencing review.
There is a number of issues with the policy itself. Prison should have never got that overcrowded and I think it does alleviate the physical pressure of the number of people in custody. But what it’s not doing is addressing why the system was so overwhelmed.
The review should submit it’s findings in full to the Lord Chancellor by Spring 2025.
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