Criminals in England and Wales spared jail sentences because of overcrowding

Judges and magistrates told to consider high prison population opting for suspended sentences instead of immediate jail terms

• What judges have said about the state of prisons in England and Wales
• Calls for more prison funding drowned out by tough talk on sentencing

Growing numbers of criminals in England and Wales are being spared jail sentences because of prison overcrowding amid warnings that the problem will get worse.

Judges and magistrates are giving people suspended sentences instead of immediate jail terms on the back of guidance that they should take into account the high prison population.