You, the jury.. public asked who goes to jail

Fears Tories will release crooks early

- JOHN STEVENS

TORY ministers have sparked fears they are preparing to release criminals early to ease the overcrowding crisis in Britain's prisons.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has commissioned research into how much the public thinks it is worth paying to keep different types of offenders jailed.

89,100 Number of jail places projected to be required by November

87,573 Number of jail places currently available in England and Wales

Labour said ministers had "totally lost the plot" and raised concerns the survey could lay the ground for the mass release of prisoners, or a shift in sentencing policy so that fewer criminals are jailed.

Government figures show the number of prisoners is projected to hit 89,100 by November, but there is currently only space for 87,573.

This would leave a shortfall of 1,527 places.