Crime Solicitors

A survey for BBC Radio’s Newsbeat has found that young adults support tougher sentences for young offenders who commit violent crimes.

A total of 67% of young adults questioned said that for violent crime, 16- and 17-year-olds should receive adult jail sentences.

Newsbeat also found that 72% of young adults questioned felt that offenders aged 18 should be sent to adult prisons instead of Young Offenders’ Institutions.

Polling and research consultancy ComRes surveyed 1,000 young adults aged between 18 and 30 for the BBC – and found that 62% also felt that UK prisons were not tough enough.

Just 3% of those questioned felt jails in Britain were too tough.

Director of the Prison Reform Trust, Juliet Lyon, said that locking young adults up in adult jails “is the surest way to create the hardened criminals of tomorrow”.

Prisoners are allowed to enjoy recreation and access to “perks” such as television viewing or gym activities – but sometimes staff shortages can mean that prisoners miss out on activities which offer them both exercise and education, as well as entertainment.

In the past, missing perks has occasionally led to unrest among the inmates of Britain’s prisons.

Younger prisoners in adult jails may feel intimidated or threatened by the regime and other prisoners.

Ms Lyon added:
“For many young offenders, intensive community approaches that nip offending behaviour in the bud are more effective than a prison."

Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise at any stage of a criminal charge – including charges involving young offenders.

Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can also advise on prisoners’ rights – our crime solicitors regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons.

For expert legal advice on criminal charges and representation, contact Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.

For out-of-hours criminal law advice and representation contact the Duncan Lewis Out-of-Hours Hotline on 07920 077057.