Community Sentences

Often the court may decide that a custodial sentence would not be in the best interest of the offender. Simply locking people behind bars is not seen as the best way to rehabilitate them. The courts have a wide-range of other powers and sentences they can use to avoid sending an offender to prison if they feel this would not be appropriate. These sentences include:

• Fines. This is the most common form of punishment for minor offences.
• Referral Orders. The magistrate may refer the offender to the Youth Offender Panel that will decide on an appropriate punishment.
• Community Punishment Order. These are usually handed to offenders between the ages of 16 and 17. They involve the offender doing unpaid work in the community.
• Supervision Orders. These can last up to 3 years. The Youth Offending Team will supervise the work that the offender will carry out under these orders.

Generally the courts will try and match the punishment to the offence that has been committed. Detailed guidelines are available to all judges that will tell them the maximum sentence they can impose. Most crimes however don’t end with a prison sentence, as community service that offers society what is called ‘ restorative justice’ is more appropriate for most crimes as the offenders repair the damage that their crime has caused.