Gove’s astonishing bid to cut crime: don’t jail violent offenders

PERSISTENT criminals convicted of serious assault, burglary and domestic violence may evade prison under plans being prepared by the Justice Secretary to cut the cost of crime and reduce reoffending.

Michael Gove will ask judges to set up specialist courts that focus on reforming criminals with drink, drug and mental health problems as an alternative to jail.

He has already begun discussions with the judiciary about the radical step. It would mark a major transformation of the criminal justice system, offering an alternative between prison and community service.

The move is at the centre of the prison reform programme – which David Cameron placed at the centre of his agenda last week, calling for an end to the ‘sterile lock ’em up’ debate in his party conference speech.

The Government believes the UK system is not working when almost half of prisoners go on to reoffend. England and Wales have the highest rate of imprisonment in Western Europe, with 86,145 people behind bars.

Gove has been inspired by a trip last month to America – where even murderers can be sent before specialist courts and left free to walk the streets.

He was struck by a system in Texas and New Jersey where judges oversee intensive efforts for offenders to sort out addictions, family issues, housing and mental health problems over several months – backed by tough sentences for failure.

The use of such courts has mushroomed in the US, with judges specialising on substance abuse, domestic violence, women and even military veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress. They are part of a ‘rehabilitation revolution’ launched by ultra-conservative politicians in Texas and adopted by 35 other states.

Although Texas still jails huge numbers, it has drastically reduced its rate of incarceration while cutting costs for taxpayers. The reforms have been accompanied by lower crime.

‘We’ve got to have fresh think- ing,’ Gove told a BBC Panorama programme that accompanied him on his US tour.

‘We’ve got to look at the way prisons are operating.’

Now The Mail on Sunday understands the Justice Secretary was so inspired by what he saw that he plans to unleash similar reforms in the UK.

Prison numbers are at near- record levels and the system costs about £2billion a year.

‘Michael has asked officials to look at why we don’t have these problem-solving courts in the UK,’ said one source. ‘He has asked the Ministry to see how we can spread them here.’

The moves will be welcomed by prison reform groups.

‘Michael Gove’s enthusiasm for specialist courts shows how serious he is about giving those who commit crime a real chance to turn their lives around,’ said Penelope Gibbs, director of Transform Justice.

They may, however, run into trouble with the judiciary, which has been accused of stymying previous attempts to set up specialist courts for drug addicts. ‘We must not confuse judges with welfare officers,’ said one recently retired judge.

Backbenchers may also be alarmed by any perception of going soft on crime. ‘The last thing the public want to see is murderers and muggers walking the streets,’ said one Tory MP.