The true scale of Britain’s soft justice system has been laid bare after it emerged 29,000 criminals have avoided prison sentences despite racking up 25 or more previous conditions.
Research from the Centre for Crime Prevention revealed how habitual criminals are routinely avoiding jail terms with some even having received 300 or more previous convictions or cautions.
Data from Freedom of Information requests shows that almost 112,000 criminals, found guilty of at least their sixth offence in 2012 avoided prison.