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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Haroon Siddique and Vikram Dodd

England and Wales judges told not to jail criminals as prisons full – report

Judges in wigs and gowns outside railings
Judges at an event at Westminster Abbey earlier this month to mark the beginning of the legal year. Photograph: Guy Smallman/Getty Images

Judges have been told to delay the sentencing of convicted criminals currently on bail – including rapists and burglars – because prisons are full, the Guardian understands.

The guidance reportedly came from the senior presiding judge for England and Wales, Lord Justice Edis, on a private call with senior crown court judges.

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