Thousands fined for prison-worthy crimes

More than one in 10 criminals across Greater Manchester were let off with a fine after being found guilty of committing a crime punishable with a prison sentence.

Last year 2,358 criminals were given the cash penalty for the indictable offences which include grand theft, robbery, burglary, arson, conspiracy, fraud, and other major crimes, as well as attempts to commit them.

Figures released by the Ministry of Justice show 20,643 people were sentenced for the most serious crimes. In addition to the fines, 7,414 were given community sentences and 5,106 people jailed.

The remainder were either conditionally discharged, made to pay compensation or had a hospital order imposed, if mental health played a part in the crime.

The data shows 71,692 people were sentenced by magistrates across the county for all offences, and 2,957 people jailed, each receiving an average three months sentence.

The majority — 47,222 were fined, and 1,582 walked free after being handed suspended sentences, meaning they will not be sent to prison as long as they do not carry out another crime in the period set out by the judge.

However, more than half of offenders found guilty at crown court went to prison. Across Greater Manchester, 6,037 criminals were sentenced — 3,138 were jailed, 1,120 people received community sentences, 1,360 had suspended sentences imposed and 107 people were fined. The average prison sentence was 24.7 months compared with 21.5 months in 1998.

Justice Minister Claire Ward said: “Overall, crime is down 36 per cent since 1998, and over the 10 years to 2008 the conviction rate has increased for all offence categories.

“We continue to target the resources of the criminal justice system to deal firmly with the most serious crimes, catching and convicting the most serious criminals and putting them away for longer.”

She said it was the Government’s view serious and dangerous offenders should be sentenced to custody while lesser offenders can successfully be punished in the community.

Ms Ward added: “2008 saw the highest number of people sentenced to custody since 1979.

“This is an increase of four per cent since 2007 and 35 per cent since 1998.

“At the same time, we welcome the reduction in the use of short custodial sentences, given that it has long been the Government’s message that for less serious offences alternatives like tough community orders can be more effective.”

The Judicial Communications office, which speaks on behalf of judges, refused to comment on why so many people were let off with a fine.