More than 1,000 career criminals with over 50 previous convictions each avoided jail by being given a non-custodial sentence for their latest crime. The Mirror reports that courts opted for non-custodial sentences for 1,040 such offenders in 2021, up from 890 in 2020.
The Ministry of Justice data also revealed the number of criminals with more than 100 convictions who were spared prison rose from six to 83 in that time. Instead, typically, the serial offenders got community service, a suspended jail term or a fine.
Jim McConalogue, of think-tank Civitas said such sentencing for career criminals “knocks public confidence and makes a mockery of our justice system. He said: "Victims’ rights and deterrence need to be put first which means putting criminals away and denying them the chance to commit more crimes and terrorise victims.
"It is a long time since we talked about prison working. We need to get back to that language so that victims can feel safer.”
Re-offending stats showed 18,019 crimes committed by adults within a year of being let off with a caution. Further MoJ figures revealed some criminals received two or even three cautions last year – despite guidance that offenders should only be allowed one caution before being hauled up in court.
David Spencer, research director for campaigners Centre for Crime Prevention, said: “These figures are a slap in the face for communities up and down the country that are terrorised by repeat offenders and feel that neither the police nor the legal system are really in their corner.
“The MoJ needs to look seriously at sentencing guidelines to ensure these people are punished in a manner that befits their criminal lifestyles.”
A MoJ spokesman said: “Judges decide sentences, and those available to them are now tougher thanks to the community punishments and longer prison spells we have introduced through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.”
Among cases highlighted was that of John Weatherald, who was spared jail for attacking a policeman despite a staggering 143 previous convictions. The 50-year-old from Sunderland grabbed the officer’s groin area as officers arrested him for swearing and shouting racist abuse in a public park.
He admitted common assault of an emergency worker and causing harassment, alarm or distress. South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard Weatherald had his rap sheet, included police assaults. He was handed a 14-week suspended jail term in February 2021.
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