Probation better than prison, says Tory MP
Sunday 01 November 2009
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EmailPrison sentences of two months or less should be scrapped and replaced by tougher probation courses,Tory MP Iain Duncan Smith will argue.
The former Conservative leader will say that such short terms - usually reduced to just four weeks - are "farcical" and do nothing to help the thousands of serial offenders.
His comments will come in a speech at the publication of a report on the criminal justice system by his Centre for Social Justice think tank.
He will call for an end to sentences of two months or less and the introduction of more closely monitored community sentences with a stronger focus on rehabilitation and treatment for addicts.
Under the proposals, the courts would be given the power to quickly haul offenders into prison if they breach their probation terms.
They also involve a more active role for the probation service and better provision of drug and alcohol rehabilitation courses.
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