08/03/2004
Britain's prison population rises to over 75,000
Britain's overstretched prisons are have space for just 184 more prisoners after the prison population surged to more than 75,000, it has been reported today.
According to the BBC, there are 75,007 people caged in British jails and fears over lack of space could see alternatives – such as police holding cells – considered to house any overflow.
The government has blamed an upsurge in convicts receiving short-term jail terms instead of community service orders.
The number of prisoners in England and Wales has increased by more than 25,000 in the last 10 years. When Labour came to government in May 1997, the prison population was 60,131 – previously it took four decades (1954-1994) for the prison population to rise by 25,000, according to the trust.
According to the Prison Reform Trust, England and Wales have the highest imprisonment rate in the European Union at 141 per 100,000 of the population for the second year running.
Imprisonment rates in Britain are "significantly higher" than our European neighbours, the trust said – with 44% more than in Germany, and 52% more than in France.
(gmcg)
According to the BBC, there are 75,007 people caged in British jails and fears over lack of space could see alternatives – such as police holding cells – considered to house any overflow.
The government has blamed an upsurge in convicts receiving short-term jail terms instead of community service orders.
The number of prisoners in England and Wales has increased by more than 25,000 in the last 10 years. When Labour came to government in May 1997, the prison population was 60,131 – previously it took four decades (1954-1994) for the prison population to rise by 25,000, according to the trust.
According to the Prison Reform Trust, England and Wales have the highest imprisonment rate in the European Union at 141 per 100,000 of the population for the second year running.
Imprisonment rates in Britain are "significantly higher" than our European neighbours, the trust said – with 44% more than in Germany, and 52% more than in France.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
28 August 2012
Most Prisons Are Overcrowded Statistics Show
Overcrowding and high reoffending rates are a fact of life in today’s prison system according to an analysis of recent prison population statistics by the Prison Reform Trust. Despite opening two new prisons this year with a capacity of 2,500 places, 59% of prisons in England and Wales are operating at an overcrowded level.
Most Prisons Are Overcrowded Statistics Show
Overcrowding and high reoffending rates are a fact of life in today’s prison system according to an analysis of recent prison population statistics by the Prison Reform Trust. Despite opening two new prisons this year with a capacity of 2,500 places, 59% of prisons in England and Wales are operating at an overcrowded level.
12 October 2006
Tagged prisoners on crime spree
Prisoners released from jail early and placed under tagging scheme have committed over 1,000 crimes. According to the figures obtained by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) these include one murder, four manslaughters, over 700 assaults and hundreds of other crimes recorded since 1999.
Tagged prisoners on crime spree
Prisoners released from jail early and placed under tagging scheme have committed over 1,000 crimes. According to the figures obtained by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) these include one murder, four manslaughters, over 700 assaults and hundreds of other crimes recorded since 1999.
20 October 2005
Overcrowded prisons linked to higher suicide rate
The most overcrowded prisons have the highest numbers of suicides, new research has revealed. According to a study by the Howard League for Penal Reform, over half (56%) of suicides in England and Wales since the start of 2004 have occurred in the 35 most overcrowded jails.
Overcrowded prisons linked to higher suicide rate
The most overcrowded prisons have the highest numbers of suicides, new research has revealed. According to a study by the Howard League for Penal Reform, over half (56%) of suicides in England and Wales since the start of 2004 have occurred in the 35 most overcrowded jails.
17 February 2004
Prison population hits record high
The prison population in England and Wales has leapt to a new record high, after more than 2,000 people were jailed over the past month. According to the Prison Service, 2,167 people were locked up in January which has seen the prison population swell to 74,543.
Prison population hits record high
The prison population in England and Wales has leapt to a new record high, after more than 2,000 people were jailed over the past month. According to the Prison Service, 2,167 people were locked up in January which has seen the prison population swell to 74,543.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.