More criminals could serve community sentences

Fri, 23 Mar 2012

More criminals could be dealt with by community sentencing and fixed penalties in future.

It's one of the areas being looked at as the Isle of Man Government works to modernise the criminal justice system.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson is working with representatives from the Police, Attorney General's Chambers, General Registry and the Prison and Probation Service.

Several ideas are being considered that will cut down on administration and reduce the number of low level offences that the courts have to deal with.

The Minister is due to present a new strategy to the Council of Ministers in July.

Mr Watterson says the costs of keeping people in prison are high and alternatives need to be found.[Play media file below]