Done the crime, serve the time

THE Government has revealed radical plans to reform prisons by locking up fewer offenders and giving more community sentences instead.

Richard Hooton asked shoppers in Oldham if they think prison works in reducing crime and rehabilitating offenders.

THE PRISON population has soared over recent years to reach a high of 85,000, leaving the new Government to look at ways of reducing the number of prisoners.

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke says jailing minor offenders is costly and does nothing to make the public safer. Instead, he is looking to reduce the use of short sentences.

He argues that 60 per cent of prisoners who are behind bars for less than a year go on to commit another crime within a year of being released.

New measures will involve paying private firms and voluntary groups according to how many prisoners they rehabilitate.

It’s a complete turnaround from then-Conservative Home Secretary Michael Howard’s famous speech in 1993 that “prison works”, while Labour opposes the plans, saying that putting more serious criminals behind bars means they cannot be on the streets committing crimes.

Oldhamers also seemed against the idea when they were quizzed in the town centre.

Brian (68) and Maureen Bowler (63), from Chadderton, disagreed with the Lib-Con proposals.

Brian said: “What will we do with them? If they have done the crime then they should do the time. They should still be punished. I think they are too soft on them.”

Kevin and Julie Gilroy, from Delph, were also strongly opposed.

Kevin (49) said: “They should keep the prisons going and build the new ones they were planning. Why pay all that money letting them have luxuries in prison? How many reoffend? They should make them harsher instead.

“Nine times out of 10 it’s more like a learning centre. They should have harsher prisons to teach people not to commit crime. America uses chain gangs in the streets and that still goes on. We should adopt their rules.”

Julie (37) added: “They should bring back hanging for people who have done something really bad, like murder.”

Eddie Lawless, from Springhead, said: “It’s not a good idea. They have enough chances and they are still not doing anything with them. It has to be something despicable before they send them away. They are too lenient these days and there should be more going to prison.”

Edward Scruton (62), from Chadderton, said: “I think it depends on the degree of the crime. People need protecting from certain elements. I would come down on the side of caution with it. You don’t want to let people out who should be in custody for other people’s protection.

“If it’s a short-term thing it doesn’t have the effect of having the time taken away from them. They will say that was easy if I get caught again I can manage that.”

Wife Pauline (62) added: “It depends on the prisons as well. Some people will think it’s so easy in prison as there’s everything they want there. They get fed and sheltered. It’s not really a deterrent, it’s a home from home for some people.”

Anthony Fitzgerald, from Salem, said: “I think if they do the crime they have to pay the price. If you are willing to do it you should be willing to take the consequences. It’s a punishment and the only one we gave got.”

Oldham Sixth Form College student Lucy Broadbent (16), from Oldham, said: “I think they should go to prison if they have done something wrong. I think prison works.”