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Prison sentences will be linked to whether there are enough prison places for the first time under measures proposed in the Management of Offenders and Sentencing Bill, it emerged today, writes Maria Ahmed.

Judges will be expected to consider the state of prisons and the numbers of people already in them when deciding whether to send offenders to custody or give them a community sentence, under guidance issued by new Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

The Bill also includes a proposal to extend the use of electronic monitoring for offenders on community sentences and bail, and polygraph tests for sex offenders on license.

A new day fine scheme is to be introduced to “help restore confidence” in the use of the fine as an “effective and credible punishment.”