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Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the number of criminals being sent to prison reaching an all-time high
The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high.
Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year.
The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge their focus is on reducing victims of crime, not sending people to jail.
But he says if it leads to a higher prison population in the short term, so be it.
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