HC Deb 22 March 2000 vol 346 cc559-60W
Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many offenders have been released to date under the home detention curfew scheme; how many offenders convicted of each category of offence have been released; how many offenders convicted of(a) unlawful supply of a controlled drug and (b) possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply have been released on the scheme; how many have re-offended while on the scheme, and what offences have been committed; and if he will make a statement. [115816]

Mr. Boateng

As of 13 March 2000, 17,871 prisoners have been placed on home detention curfew since the scheme commenced on 28 January 1999. The original offences committed by these prisoners, and the number of prisoners convicted of each type of offence, are shown in the table.

Of those prisoners released up to and including 13 March 2000, 969 were convicted of unlawful supply of a controlled drug and 1,238 were convicted of drugs possession with intent to supply.

As of 13 March 2000, the Prison Service had received notification of 185 curfewees who had been charged with an offence committed while subject to the home detention curfew scheme. The offences with which the curfewees were charged are shown in the table.

I refer to the replies I gave to the right hon. Lady on 7 March 2000, Official Report, columns 571–72W and on 17 March 2000, Official Report, columns 378–80W.

Original offences committed by prisoners released on home detention curfew
Offence type Number
Manslaughter 43
Other homicide and attempted homicide 150
Wounding 2,258
Assaults 441
Cruelty to children 21
Other violence against the person 235
Indecent assault 16
Buggery 1
Unlawful sexual intercourse 1
Abduction 1
Bigamy 10
Burglary 1,697
Robbery 717
Taking and driving away 216
Other theft 1,643
Handling stolen goods 563
Fraud 1,476
Forgery 77
Drugs 2,931
Arson 116
Criminal damage 82
In charge or driving under the influence of drink or drugs 617
Other motoring offences 1,530
Drunkenness 64
Blackmail 52
Kidnapping 26
Affray 472
Violent disorder 204
Perjury/libel/pervert the course of justice 267
Threat/disorderly behaviour 83
Original offenes committed by prisoners released on home detention curfew
Offence type Number
Breach of Court Order 187
Other offences 673
Offence not recorded 1,001
Total 17,871
Offences with which home detention curfewees have been charged
Offence type Number
Burglary, theft and theft from shops1 66
Assault 32
Driving and Traffic Offences 18
Drug Offences 15
Breach of the peace2 15
Criminal Damage 10
Handling Stolen Goods/Deception 9
Threatening Behaviour 7
Possession of an offensive weapon 3
Breach of court injunction or Restraining Order 3
Rape 2
Harassment 1
Going Equipped 1
False Imprisonment 1
Arson 1
Indecent Exposure 1
Total 185
1 Including taking without consent/taking and driving away.
2 Including Drunk and Disorderly.

Note:

Where a curfewee was charged with more than one offence, they appear in the table next to the most serious offence. The table excludes those where, following initial notification, the Prison Service was informed that the charges had been withdrawn. Between 29 February (the date for which the data in this table were last provided) and 13 March, the Prison Service was informed of six cases where the curfewee had been charged with a further offence and three cases where earlier charges had been withdrawn.