"Crack Down on Crime" says Lib Dems

The Liberal Democrat Leader, Rt Hon Charles Kennedy has launched new plans for new-style sentences that give courts a tougher, more challenging alternative to prison for non-violent offenders.

The plans would see non-violent offenders carrying out intensive and useful work, identified by local people, under close supervision using the latest tagging and tracking technology.

Local Lib Dem Spokesman Dr Michael Heavens said that "new technology means we can design tailor-made community sentences which keep public safe and ensure offenders work to repay their victims and communities.

"Prison is the soft option for many criminals, giving them all-expenses-paid accommodation with three meals a day, a gym, pool table and a TV.

"Rather than taxpayers forking out thousands of pounds to keep a non-violent offender in prison, it is time to get something back. Victims of crime and the communities they live in are entitled to repayment for the crimes they have to endure."