Prisoners serving short sentences 'often have highest rates of reoffending'

According to the Irish Prison Service, there were 4,975 individuals in custody on September 30. Of this figure, just 1,642 (33%) were in custody for the first time. Picture: iStock

The use of community sanctions instead of short jail stays should be examined by the incoming Government as a way to prevent lower reoffending rates, a prison reform body has said.

The Irish Penal Reform Trust says that that people imprisoned for short sentences “often have the highest rates of reoffending following their release”.