UNISON is today highlighting the vital need to keep the supervision and monitoring of offenders within the probation service in the light of new figures showing serious offenders are avoiding jail.
The figures show that half of convicted sex attackers, violent criminals and burglars are avoiding prison sentences. Thousands of serious criminals have walked free from court, including 107 paedophiles who abused children aged under 13 – 46% of the total. Some 49% of those convicted of sexual assault in 2012 – 2,324 offenders – did not receive a custodial sentence.
UNISON national officer Ben Priestley said: “These new figures show the government needs to take immediate action to protect the public.
“It is vital that our probation is publicly run and accountable. Selling it off is dangerous as it would compromise the service and put communities at risk.
“The government shouldn’t gamble with public safety.
“Risk assessing offenders is complex and requires the skills of trained probation officers. The streets can only be safe if offenders in the community are properly managed.”
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