Prison inmate total hits record high

Ministry of Justice statistics yesterday confirmed the total had risen to 85,076, up almost three per cent on the 82,773 held 12 months ago.

The number showed an increase of 192 more inmates in just one week, bringing prisons closer to capacity at 87,196 spaces.

In February Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced the end of an early release scheme which has seen more than 80,000 offenders let out.

No prisoners were eligible for the controversial End of Custody Licence scheme after March 12 and the last remaining prisoners were out on April 9.