NCJ Number
115101
Journal
Home Office Research and Planning Unit Research Bulletin Issue: 21 Dated: (1986) Pages: 43-45
Date Published
1986
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A review of the use made of sentencing habitual offenders to extended terms in Great Britain concludes that, given the resources needed to administer these sentences and the lack of evidence that they deter recidivism, more cost-effective ways of dealing with such offenders may exist.
Abstract
The Criminal Justice Act 1967 outlines specific conditions for imposing extended sentences, but in reality such sentences are rarely used. Only about 15 offenders of over 80,000 sentenced at the Crown Court in 1984 received extended sentences. A survey of the period 1967-84 showed that most offenders given extended sentences were convicted of burglary, theft and handling stolen goods, or robbery. Prison sentences used most frequently were in the 3-5 years band. Offenders had numerous previous convictions, and most were in the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups. Follow-up studies indicate that offenders given extended sentences are quickly reconvicted following release. Tables.