 |
answer text |
<p>Sentencing is a matter for our independent courts, who take into account all circumstances
of the case, including any aggravating and mitigating factors. We are clear that sentencing
must match the severity of a crime.</p><p> </p><p>However, sentences should also rehabilitate.
There is persuasive evidence showing community sentences, in certain circumstances,
are more effective than short custodial sentences in reducing reoffending. The MoJ
study ‘The impact of short custodial sentences, community orders and suspended sentence
orders on re-offending’ published in 2015 found that over a 1-year follow up period,
a higher proportion of people re-offended having been sentenced to custody of under
12 months without supervision on release than other similar people given community
orders.</p><p> </p><p>Unless we tackle the underlying causes of offending, we cannot
protect the public from being victims of crime. Effective community orders can address
offenders’ behaviour, answer their mental health and alcohol or drug misuse needs,
and provide reparation for the benefit of the wider community.</p><p> </p><p>The offences
which have been committed by (a) male and (b) female offenders sentenced to immediate
custody of up to six months who had not received a previous community order, annually
from the year ending September 2015, can be viewed in the table.</p>
|
|
