Electronic Tagging instead of prison?

[mmsh]

I am back in court in 2 weeks and am pleading guilty to ABH. I have a suspended sentence from before so know I'm probably looking at a prison sentence.

Have been told there is a chance I could be tagged instead or as part of the sentence. Does anybody know what happens with that - how restricted are you - and if it applies to cases like ABH?

[Amber1571]

You will almost certainly be sent to prison to serve your first sentence - ie; for the offence for which you received a suspended sentence. You can be released early from a prison sentence and tagged for the remainder. A tag is put round your ankle and basically something on it triggers the main system should you breach the conditions which surround your tagging - ie; curfew. So if you are to be in your home by 10pm every night, but you leave your home at 11pm, you will be found out and more than likely sent back to prison.

ps: what's it like in prison, anyway?

[Gmcd01]

There is nothing to say that mmsh wasn't bailed before on the first charge and as such has no knowledge of prison...and I must say, I read that 'post script' with a heavy sarcasm dose and find it wholly inappropriate that one who asks for help should be asked such a question...

[Law Man1856]

Hi mmsh,

The prisons are full at present and police cells are being used to house the overflow. If you have reoffended then you should, ( quite rightly ), serve the sentence on the original offence.

Tagging helps offenders back into society and also helps to free prison places.

ABH is a very serious offence and prison should be expected, you will need to serve approx 1/3 of your sentence before tagged release is considered.

Talk to your probation officer they will be able to advice you better.

BEST OF LUCK

[mmsh]

Amber,

Haven't been there before - just a few nights in the cells. This will be my first time so not sure what to expect.

[Stu Dent]

Expect being close ahem "friends" and sharing your cell with a 16 stone psycopathic killer named Bubba;-)

Seriously though, perhaps a custodial sentence may help you address whatever it is that causes you to assault or otherwise misbehave. If you can sort out the underlying reasons for the commission of your crimes, that would help to persuade the Home office of your suitability to tagging.

[mmsh]

I've been told that it is 90% chance of prison but may be eligible for tagging later. I'm not proud of ending up in this situation and just want to get things over with now.