The effect of suspended sentences on imprisonment

24/09/2014

The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research has released a report on the effect of suspended sentences on imprisonment. Suspended sentences were introduced in NSW in April 2000 and came to be seen as both a deterrent and a cheaper alternative to prison. Between 2000 and 2013, the number of suspended sentences imposed by adult courts in NSW rose by more than 180 per cent (from 1,849 to 5,224). However, BOCSAR's report suggests that suspended sentences might have a perverse effect, actually increasing the number of offenders sent to prison. Learn more here.