New Sentencing Powers Aim to Rein in Offenders in Britain

As the polls closed in Britain's general election on July 4, 2024, television screens in the Westminster Arms pub in London broadcast the latest updates to the gathering crowd. In a bid to tackle crime, the UK government has announced plans to empower judges with new sentencing measures that would help regulate offenders' freedoms through restrictions like driving limitations, travel bans, and confinement to specific areas. According to Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, it is essential to punish those who violate society’s laws, particularly for individuals serving community sentences.

The UK has been facing significant challenges regarding prison overcrowding, as it holds the highest incarceration rate in Western Europe, according to the World Prison Brief database. To address this issue, the government has previously had to implement measures such as early prisoner releases. The upcoming reforms are intended to address crime effectively while ensuring that space is available for the most dangerous offenders in their prison facilities.

One notable change will expand the ability of judges to impose bans on attending events, allowing for restrictions not just at soccer matches but for any crime category. Moreover, offenders leaving jail under supervision from the Probation Service could also encounter similar restrictions and mandatory drug tests, irrespective of their previous substance misuse history. The government has made it clear that any violation of these rules could lead to court appearances or re-incarceration.