Public say prison does not work for young offenders

A poll has revealed that 65% of people do not believe that prison is an effective way of reducing offending among young people.

The survey of more than 1,000 people, commissioned by SmartJustice found that two out of three respondents believed prisons were universities of crime.

Eight in 10 supported mental health and drug and alcohol treatment inside, while nine in 10 wanted better support of young people by parents and more constructive activities for young people to prevent them drifting into crime.

The number of under-18s in prison has more than doubled since 1989, and more than eight in 10 boys under 18 who are released from prison are reconvicted within two years.