UUP Justice Spokesperson, Basil McCrea has said that the number of people in Northern Ireland going to jail for failing to pay fines is not sustainable.
Speaking after figures were uncovered that show 14,259 people have went to prison for non-payment of fines since 2006, Basil said:
“The number of people being imprisoned each year for the non-payment of fines just isn’t sustainable. These people do not pose a threat to society and handing out custodial sentences for such minor crimes is excessive.’
“We urgently need to find a new solution for dealing with those who do not pay fines other than locking with up for a few days. The community service pilot scheme currently being run by the Probation Board is a feasible alternative to custodial sentences. They are too costly and fly in the face of the current consultation on prison reform.’