Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 10 May 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 12 May 2006. It was answered by Paul Goggins (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 May 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Unpaid Fines (Imprisonment)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people spent time in prison for unpaid (a) fines and (b) other forms of fixed penalty in Northern Ireland during 2005.

Answer: In 2005, there were 1,814 prison receptions for fine default in Northern Ireland. The number of individuals received into prison for fine default was 1,599. The majority served only one period in custody for fine default; 175 individuals served multiple periods in custody (one up to seven periods).Of the 1,599 individuals received into prison for fine default, 16 related to failure to pay fixed penalties; each served one period in custody.

Secondary information