Consequences must follow any criminal act, whether through imprisonment or community sanctions. Community sentences have often seemed lenient, but that perception must change. The government intends to empower courts to impose stricter community sentences, limiting offenders’ freedoms even outside prison walls.
Just as incarcerated individuals must give up their freedoms, those on community sentences will also face sacrifices. For instance, troublemakers causing chaos may be prohibited from attending sports events or going on holidays. The aim is to hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions and safeguard victims.
New restriction zones will confine the most dangerous offenders to specific areas, ensuring victims can move freely without fear of their assailants. The Probation Service will enforce bans on released prisoners, increase electronic tagging, conduct more drug tests, and swiftly return offenders to court for any misconduct, reinforcing the message that crime will not go unpunished.
These measures are part of a broader strategy to reform the justice system, emphasizing the accountability of criminals and the protection of victims. The overarching message is clear: commit a crime, face the consequences.