Menu
08/03/2005
Government to extend part-time prison plans
A scheme allowing offenders to serve part of their sentence in prison and part under supervision in the community is to be expanded, it has been announced.
The expansion starts from today, with an increase in the number of courts able to impose 'Intermittent Custody' sentences. These sentences are aimed at offenders who have committed serious offences, but do not present a serious enough risk to the community to warrant being placed in full-time custody.
The number of courts able to impose the Intermittent Custody Orders has increased from nine to 27 in the catchment area for HMP Kirkham in Lancashire. The number serving Morton Hall women's prison in Lincolnshire has also risen from 44 to 81.
There are also plans to extend the scheme in courts in three extra Probation Service areas – in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire – from June 2005.
The sentences are part of the new Criminal Justice Act, which the government is introducing in the hope that it will strengthen community punishments for 'low risk' offenders.
The Intermittent Custody Sentence was introduced at HMP Kirkham and HMP Morton Hall in January last year, with the opening of purpose-built units. 179 prisoners had received Intermittent Custody Sentences by the end of February this year.
Paul Goggins, Prisons and Probation Minister, said: "Intermittent Custody focuses on reducing re-offending by reducing the negative impact of a short custodial sentence. The early indications are that it has shown great promise in the first year in delivering a punitive custodial sentence whilst allowing prisoners to retain their employment or to maintain family links. In certain cases, sentencing offenders who are also employers to intermittent custody has even meant their employees have been able to keep their jobs."
He added: "What we are keen to do now is to encourage greater use of the sentence both in existing and in new areas, particularly for female offenders. The new courts and new probation areas will help us to achieve full use of the existing facilities at Kirkham and Morton Hall, and we are looking to open new sites in the medium term."
The Conservatives have criticised the scheme. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis was reported as saying that part-time prison sentences were inappropriate, because there was no such thing as a "weekend criminal".
(KMcA/SP)
The expansion starts from today, with an increase in the number of courts able to impose 'Intermittent Custody' sentences. These sentences are aimed at offenders who have committed serious offences, but do not present a serious enough risk to the community to warrant being placed in full-time custody.
The number of courts able to impose the Intermittent Custody Orders has increased from nine to 27 in the catchment area for HMP Kirkham in Lancashire. The number serving Morton Hall women's prison in Lincolnshire has also risen from 44 to 81.
There are also plans to extend the scheme in courts in three extra Probation Service areas – in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire – from June 2005.
The sentences are part of the new Criminal Justice Act, which the government is introducing in the hope that it will strengthen community punishments for 'low risk' offenders.
The Intermittent Custody Sentence was introduced at HMP Kirkham and HMP Morton Hall in January last year, with the opening of purpose-built units. 179 prisoners had received Intermittent Custody Sentences by the end of February this year.
Paul Goggins, Prisons and Probation Minister, said: "Intermittent Custody focuses on reducing re-offending by reducing the negative impact of a short custodial sentence. The early indications are that it has shown great promise in the first year in delivering a punitive custodial sentence whilst allowing prisoners to retain their employment or to maintain family links. In certain cases, sentencing offenders who are also employers to intermittent custody has even meant their employees have been able to keep their jobs."
He added: "What we are keen to do now is to encourage greater use of the sentence both in existing and in new areas, particularly for female offenders. The new courts and new probation areas will help us to achieve full use of the existing facilities at Kirkham and Morton Hall, and we are looking to open new sites in the medium term."
The Conservatives have criticised the scheme. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis was reported as saying that part-time prison sentences were inappropriate, because there was no such thing as a "weekend criminal".
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 August 2006
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
03 April 2006
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
Prisons face overcrowding crisis
Prisons in England and Wales are under "enormous pressure" and are facing a "looming overcrowding crisis", according to a charity report. The Prison Reform Trust reported that prison numbers have crept up again since Christmas rising to over 77,000 again.
26 January 2004
Custody scheme aims to reduce re-offending rates
The first stage of a new pilot scheme, which will see certain categories of prisoner spend half the week back in the community, could significantly reduce re-offending rates, according to the Home Secretary David Blunkett.
Custody scheme aims to reduce re-offending rates
The first stage of a new pilot scheme, which will see certain categories of prisoner spend half the week back in the community, could significantly reduce re-offending rates, according to the Home Secretary David Blunkett.
09 May 2013
Ryan McDonald Hunt Continues
Greater Manchester Police are continuing the hunt for a man who escaped from police custody after a gang of men attacked a prison van in Salford.
Ryan McDonald Hunt Continues
Greater Manchester Police are continuing the hunt for a man who escaped from police custody after a gang of men attacked a prison van in Salford.
24 March 2009
Dubai Prison Mother Loses Custody Of Children
A British mother jailed in Dubai for adultery has lost her court battle to keep custody of her two children. Marnie Pearce, originally from Bracknell, Berkshire, was found guilty of adultery by a Dubai court in November, after her Egyptian ex-husband, Ihab El Labban accused her of adultery.
Dubai Prison Mother Loses Custody Of Children
A British mother jailed in Dubai for adultery has lost her court battle to keep custody of her two children. Marnie Pearce, originally from Bracknell, Berkshire, was found guilty of adultery by a Dubai court in November, after her Egyptian ex-husband, Ihab El Labban accused her of adultery.
-
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.
