01 August 2023 , 23:01
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Hundreds of criminals could dodge jail due to the lack of cells and the "chaotic" situation in England's prisons, Labour has warned.
The latest Ministry of Justice data shows 86,602 men and women were in prison in England at the end of July. The figure is just 971 short of the "usable operational capacity" of 87,573.
And according to projections the prison population could hit 89,100 by the end of 2023 - leaving a shortage of 1,527 places.
Labour said this could lead to offenders not being jailed and highlighted the case of Fabian Greco in January. He avoided being sent down after punching and kicking a fellow lorry driver in a road rage incident.
At the time the district judge gave Greco a suspended sentence because it was his very first offence - but also noted the lack of spaces in prisons.
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Labour's Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed said: “Our prisons are turning criminals away because the Conservatives failed to build the cells they promised.
“The situation has become so chaotic that the Conservative government has instructed judges not to lock up dangerous criminals, leaving them to roam the streets and seek out new victims.
He added: “To make matters worse, criminals who do end up in jail have been allowed to run riot with violence and drug abuse spiralling out of control, driving up reoffending rates.
“Labour is the party of law and order. In government will get on and deliver the prison places we need to ensure that dangerous criminals are where they belong - behind bars. That’s how we will prevent crime, punish criminals and protect communities.”
Labour's analysis came as the MoJ said a former youth jail will be refurbished and turned into a low security men's prison, holding 131 men.
Prisons minister Damian Hinds said the announcement is the "latest step in our plans to create more prison places", adding: "Alongside vital taxpayer savings and creating more jobs for the local economy, we are making sure that every acre of the prison estate is being used effectively to rehabilitate offenders and help them turn their backs on crime for good".
The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.
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