Don’t jail thieves, says Hackney-based Howard League for Penal Reform

A leading criminal lawyer has called on politicians to abolish imprisonment for property offences, saying this punishment is ‘disproportionate’ for crimes that do not involve violence, threats or sexual assault.

In a pamphlet published by Hackney-based charity The Howard League for Penal Reform Professor Andrew Ashworth, who is also Vinerian Professor of English Law at Oxford University, said the state could save around £230million each year by giving thieves and fraudsters financial penalties rather than custodial sentences.

20,000 people go to prison each year for theft or handling stolen goods – more than for any other crime.

Under Prof Ashworth’s proposals burglary, blackmail and robbery could still be dealt with by way of prison sentences.

Justice Minister Damian Green has said the government has no intention of changing the law to prevent fraudsters and thieves going to jail.

Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, which is based in De Beauvoir Town, said: “When it comes to crimes like theft and fraud, victims are losing out from a justice system that too often prioritises putting the perpetrator behind bars rather than returning people’s stolen property and providing much needed compensation.

“This can be achieved through fines and compensation orders, as well as community sentences, which produce a much lower rate of reoffending than prison at a fraction of the cost.

“At a time when all areas of public finance are stretched, threatening schools, hospitals and the police, it’s time for our politicians to make some tough decisions on exactly who should be sent to prison.”