A significant Sentencing Overhaul is now proposed. Consequently, criminals might face new pub bans. They could also see concert restrictions. Additionally, sports match prohibitions are possible. These changes apply to England and Wales. Therefore, courts get new powers for non-custodial terms.
Judges could impose driving bans. They may also hand out travel prohibitions. Furthermore, courts can order offenders to stay in specific areas. The Ministry of Justice supports this Sentencing Overhaul. They say it will toughen community punishments. Importantly, it should also deter reoffending.
This plan follows a recent sentencing review. That review advised fewer short prison sentences. Currently, prisons are extremely overcrowded. Courts already ban fans for football violence. However, the new rules are much broader.
Now judges can restrict anyone for any crime. These penalties might be unrelated to the offense. Offenders breaking these rules will return to court. The plan also targets ex-prisoners on probation. They could face similar lifestyle bans. Moreover, they may undergo mandatory drug testing. This applies even without a drug history.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the changes. She said criminals must be punished properly. She also stated community sentences must restrict freedom. The government began early inmate releases recently. They blamed the previous administration for prison overcrowding.
This Sentencing Overhaul is part of a wider plan. The goal is deterring crime effectively. It also ensures prison space for dangerous offenders. New technology will help probation officers. Consequently, they can better supervise high-risk cases. The ministry will recruit 1,300 new trainee officers. It also promises a £700 million funding boost by 2028.
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