Sentences given to paedophiles caught with child abuse images to be reassessed in victory for The Sun’s campaign
SENTENCES given to paedophiles caught with child abuse images will be reassessed, in a victory for The Sun’s Keep Our Kids Safe campaign.
A landmark review into how offenders are punished will be announced today by the Justice Secretary as she faces a prison overcrowding crisis.
Our campaign has called for anyone found with the worst category of images to be jailed.
It reflects concerns over the suspended sentence given to disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards.
Former Lord Chancellor David Gauke will chair the sentencing review.
Judges could be given the power to sentence lags to serve their terms under house arrest and technology such as smart watches could be used to monitor those on probation.
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Mr Gauke said the review would explore what punishment “should look like in the 21st century”.
It comes on a day when 1,100 more criminals are being released early to free space in prisons.
Justice Secretary Ms Mahmood said: “We have an opportunity now to reshape and redesign what punishment outside of a prison looks like.”
She added: “I believe in punishment. I believe in prison, but I also believe that we must increase the range of punishments we use.
"And that those prisoners who earn the right to turn their lives around should be encouraged to do so.
“The Sentencing Review will make sure prison and punishment work - and that there is always a cell waiting for dangerous offenders.”