PUBLIC outrage over atrocities and terror attacks has pushed the justice system close to collapse, the head of a sentencing review claims.
Knee-jerk reforms after tragic events have filled prisons to breaking point, his report for the Government says.
Author David Gauke, a former Tory Justice Secretary, has called for a “system reset”.
In the first part of the review, out today, he recommends replacing some short jail terms with community sentences.
The Independent Sentencing Review chairman said: “Last year we were confronted with the consequences of decades of haphazard policy-making and underinvestment in the criminal justice system — bringing it to the brink of collapse.
“Politicians had increased sentencing for individual crimes without considering the impact. It does not deliver justice for victims, it fails them.”
The full analysis, due in the spring, will spell out how the Government will change the system.
The report accuses previous Governments of pursuing “penal populism” to try to show they are tough on crime.
However, Tory Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp hit back last night: “The truth is that prison works.
The review signals that Labour wants to be soft on crime and soft on the causes of crime.”
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Labour should deport foreign national offenders and expand court capacity instead of plotting to abolish short sentences.”
MORE than 100 child sex abuse image crimes are being recorded by police every day, research shows.
There were 38,685 incidents logged by forces in England and Wales in the past year, according to Home Office data.
The Sun launched our Keep Our Kids Safe campaign when disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards avoided jail after being sent child abuse images and videos of the worst category.
We are calling for every paedo caught with Category A images to get prison.
NSPCC research found half of all offences took place on Snapchat, with 11 per cent on Instagram, seven per cent on Facebook and six per cent on WhatsApp.
Charities including the NSPCC and Barnardo’s have today written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Tech Secretary Peter Kyle demanding tougher action on the worst kinds of online abuse.
The charities argue kids will not be protected from abuse on private messaging services under regulator Ofcom’s plans.
It is feared a loophole will mean messaging services and social media sites will only have to take down illegal content when it is “technically feasible” and not all the time.
NSPCC chief Chris Sherwood said: “It is an outrage that in 2025 we are still seeing a blatant disregard from tech companies to prevent this illegal content from proliferating on their sites.”
Marcus Johnstone of PCD Solicitors, who specialise in criminal defence for sexual offences, said: “The Government often talks about keeping the streets safe, and they are right to do so.
“But when so many serious crimes are committed online, it is the digital world that increasingly requires more policing: by authorities, parents, and the tech giants.”
A Government spokesman said: “The Government is committed to the robust implementation of the Online Safety Act to ensure it delivers on its aim to make the UK the safest place online for children.”
After a commendable conclusion to the 2024 NFL season, falling to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles on the final drive of a snowy South Philly showdown, the Los Angeles Rams have some decisions to make heading into free agency, including at one of the most crucial positions in the game, left tackle. On […]
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Following a 2024 season that might’ve caught some fans off guard, the Denver Broncos made a playoff push with their rookie quarterback Bo Nix. However, after a first-round exit to the Buffalo Bills, the Broncos’ postseason ended early, directing their attention to getting better for the 2025 season and preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. […]
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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t hold back his take on the NBA’s new All-Star Game format. Gilgeous-Alexander played in his third All-Star Game, which he didn’t take for granted upon arriving in San Francisco this past weekend. However, he did have one gripe with 2025’s new tournament-style format. Gilgeous-Alexander revealed during his postgame […]
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have enjoyed newfound success before their 50th season. They’ve won a franchise first four straight division titles and own a 2020 Super Bowl victory. Head coach Todd Bowles, Baker Mayfield and company can continue their rare success streak through the 2025 NFL Draft. The Buccaneers have scored through the first three […]
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The Minnesota football team picked up a huge win on the recruiting trail on Monday as they landed a commitment from 2026 four-star cornerback Justin Hopkins. Hopkins has an impressive list of offers, and he chose the Golden Gophers over top contenders USC, Tennessee and Georgia Tech. This is big for head coach PJ Fleck […]
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