Individuals convicted of crimes in England and Wales may soon face restrictions on attending pubs, concerts, and sporting events, according to proposed changes to sentencing guidelines under consideration by the government.
The envisioned reforms would grant courts the authority to impose driving and travel bans, alongside mandates requiring offenders to remain within designated areas, as components of non-custodial sentences.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has stated that these modifications aim to “strengthen community punishments” and act as a deterrent against repeat offenses.
This initiative follows a recent review of sentencing policy, which advocated for a reduction in custodial sentences for less severe crimes as a means of alleviating prison overcrowding.
Currently, courts have the power to enforce limited prohibitions on individuals convicted of specific offenses. For example, those found guilty of violent conduct at football matches can be barred from all stadiums.
However, the MoJ intends to introduce legislation that broadens the scope of restrictions judges and magistrates can impose “as a form of punishment for any offence in any circumstance.”
Consequently, offenders could face supplementary penalties unrelated to the nature of their crime, with those who violate the imposed restrictions subject to further court appearances.
Under the proposals, offenders released from prison and supervised by the Probation Service may also encounter similar restrictions, in addition to mandatory drug testing, even in the absence of a prior history of substance abuse.
The MoJ asserts that these plans are integral to broader sentencing reforms aimed at deterring criminal activity and ensuring that prisons maintain sufficient capacity for dangerous offenders.
Shortly after assuming office in 2024, the government initiated the early release of thousands of inmates, citing an inherited prison system from the preceding Conservative administration that was nearing its capacity limit.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has stated that expanding the range of sentencing alternatives to incarceration is a component of Labour’s strategy to reduce crime and enhance public safety.
“When criminals break society’s rules, they must be punished,” she affirmed.
“Those serving their sentences in the community must have their freedom restricted there too.”
This announcement follows the MoJ’s unveiling of plans to implement stricter limitations on serious sexual and violent offenders upon their release from prison, including mandatory residency within specific geographic areas.
The government contends that confining offenders to a designated zone, overseen by heightened monitoring and enhanced tagging, will provide victims with increased reassurance.
Under reforms announced in May, certain prisoners in England and Wales will now be eligible for release after serving one-third of their sentence.
However, these measures, along with the early releases, have drawn criticism for placing additional strain on the probation service and police forces.
The MoJ maintains that new technology will alleviate the administrative burden on probation officers, enabling increased supervision of the most high-risk offenders.
The MoJ reports that at least 1,300 new trainee probation officers will be recruited this year, and the service is slated to receive a £700 million funding increase by 2028.
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