27 May 2005
The number of prisoners going back to jail after being freed on licence has trebled over three years, the Prison Reform Trust has revealed.
In 2003/04, 8,135 offenders were recalled to jail compared with 2,337 in 2000/01, mainly due to release conditions being more strictly enforced.
Report author Enver Solomon said the probation service was now 'much more target-driven' and he criticised the authorities for failing to prepare offenders for their release. 'Large numbers of prisoners who do not pose a threat to the public are being dragged back into overcrowded jails.'
The Home Office said the figures showed how well the probation service was doing its job.
PFmay2005
