Menu
02/12/2002
NI prison population lowest in the EU
A National Statistics survey of the Northern Irish prison population has found that the region has the lowest prison rate of the EU's 15 member countries.
The Research and Statistical Bulletin 8/2002, entitled 'The Northern Ireland Prison Population in 2001' and released by the Northern Ireland Office, showed that Northern Ireland and Finland had the lowest rates at rate of 50 prisoners per 100,000 population in 2001. Hungary was found to have the highest rate of imprisonment of European Union countries at 155 per 100,000 people.
In comparison to the rest of the British Isles, England and Wales held 125 and Scotland had 120 prisoners per 100,000. The Republic of Ireland, as of December 13 2001, was slightly ahead of its northern neighbour at 80.
The bulletin provides a statistical analysis on the size and composition of the prison population in Northern Ireland between 1992 and 2001. It describes the average population held and all receptions of prisoners into institutions during these years.
The total prison population had fallen by 44% in the last five years (1997-2001) from an average of 1,632 to 910. A major reason for this decrease, which also covers the period of the Good Friday Agreement prisoner releases, has been the fall in the immediate custody population, down from 1,226 in 1997 to 616 in 2001.
The total number of receptions into prison fell for the second consecutive year and a total of 4,416 prisoners were received during 2001 – 15% lower than in 2000.
The overall prison population is predominantly male (98% in 2001) and over half of those serving sentences of immediate custody (52%) are aged between 17 and 29 years of age.
In 2001, 63% of the immediate custody population had been convicted of violent offences, however, the proportion of sex offenders (16%) and drug offenders (10%) in prison the 2001 is higher than five years ago (9% and 8% respectively in 1997).
The report also found that the average prison population serving longer sentences, a term of over five years, has fallen in recent years and the life sentence population fell by approximately two thirds in the same period from 248 to 88.
(GMcG)
The Research and Statistical Bulletin 8/2002, entitled 'The Northern Ireland Prison Population in 2001' and released by the Northern Ireland Office, showed that Northern Ireland and Finland had the lowest rates at rate of 50 prisoners per 100,000 population in 2001. Hungary was found to have the highest rate of imprisonment of European Union countries at 155 per 100,000 people.
In comparison to the rest of the British Isles, England and Wales held 125 and Scotland had 120 prisoners per 100,000. The Republic of Ireland, as of December 13 2001, was slightly ahead of its northern neighbour at 80.
The bulletin provides a statistical analysis on the size and composition of the prison population in Northern Ireland between 1992 and 2001. It describes the average population held and all receptions of prisoners into institutions during these years.
The total prison population had fallen by 44% in the last five years (1997-2001) from an average of 1,632 to 910. A major reason for this decrease, which also covers the period of the Good Friday Agreement prisoner releases, has been the fall in the immediate custody population, down from 1,226 in 1997 to 616 in 2001.
The total number of receptions into prison fell for the second consecutive year and a total of 4,416 prisoners were received during 2001 – 15% lower than in 2000.
The overall prison population is predominantly male (98% in 2001) and over half of those serving sentences of immediate custody (52%) are aged between 17 and 29 years of age.
In 2001, 63% of the immediate custody population had been convicted of violent offences, however, the proportion of sex offenders (16%) and drug offenders (10%) in prison the 2001 is higher than five years ago (9% and 8% respectively in 1997).
The report also found that the average prison population serving longer sentences, a term of over five years, has fallen in recent years and the life sentence population fell by approximately two thirds in the same period from 248 to 88.
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
Parents And Guardians Urged To Share Childcare Experiences
Parents and guardians across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to participate in a new survey to share their experiences of childcare. The survey, commissioned by the Department of Education, aims to gather valuable insights to inform future childcare policies.
12 May 2009
Prison Authorities Set "Challenging Targets"
The way in which female prisoners are treated in Northern Ireland is among the issues being targeted in a new prison management plan. The Northern Ireland Prison Service has just published its Corporate Plan for 2009-2012 and associated Business Plan.
Prison Authorities Set "Challenging Targets"
The way in which female prisoners are treated in Northern Ireland is among the issues being targeted in a new prison management plan. The Northern Ireland Prison Service has just published its Corporate Plan for 2009-2012 and associated Business Plan.
27 September 2018
NI's Daily Prison Population Fell By 2.2%
Northern Ireland's average daily prison population fell by 2.2% during 2017/18 to 1,439, according to the latest Prison Population report published by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The report looks at the average daily prison population and the number of receptions into Northern Ireland Prisons for the financial year 2017/18.
NI's Daily Prison Population Fell By 2.2%
Northern Ireland's average daily prison population fell by 2.2% during 2017/18 to 1,439, according to the latest Prison Population report published by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The report looks at the average daily prison population and the number of receptions into Northern Ireland Prisons for the financial year 2017/18.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
