Written question asked by Lord Lester of Herne Hill (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 November 2005.

Prison Sentences

Question: Further to the Written Statement by the Baroness Scotland of Asthal on 17 November (WS 100), to what extent the Government’s stated belief that ““prison should be reserved for dangerous, serious and seriously persistent offenders”” (a) is reflected in the current convicted prisoner population in England and Wales; and (b) is being put into practice in respect of those currently serving prison sentences who are not ““dangerous, serious and seriously persistent offenders””.

Answer: Within the broad statutory limits set by Parliament, it is for the courts to decide in individual cases whether a prison sentence is appropriate. The latest information on the prison population by offence group is published in Table two of the September 2005 Population in Custody monthly tables, a copy of which will be placed in the House of Lords Library. The Criminal Justice Act 2003 recognises the need to protect the public from dangerous offenders by the creation of extended and indefinite sentences ensuring greater scrutiny of whether or not the offender is safe to release and, in some cases, enabling detention for the rest of the offender’s life. Prisoners who are considered to be of low risk to the public may be released early under the home detention curfew scheme (HDC) if they meet the eligibility criteria and pass a careful risk assessment. HDC allows prisoners to spend the final part of their sentence on curfew at a suitable, approved address. HDC will not be granted to those who pose a significant risk to victims or the public.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2474; 676 c53WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP 05/1723
Thursday, 8 December 2005
Deposited papers
House of Lords
House of Commons; HM Styal Prison: Prison and Probation Ombudsman's Report
Thursday, 17 November 2005
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Prisoners' release Prison sentences Sentencing
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk