Suspended Jail Sentences

[Bert]

What are these all about? I hear of people being sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended for two years, or something similar. Now, I believe that this means that, so long as they do not commit (or are not convicted of) any offence during the period of suspension (except, I presume for minor traffic offences) then the slate is wiped clean. What sort of punishment is that? I must not commit any offences in the next two years (or ever) either - I have no intention of doing so - so, as long as this crook behaves as well as I do, he gets off scot-free. This is not justice. It's only done because the jails are so overcrowded. I accept that, if the crook commits an offence he automatically serves the suspended sentence, whereas I have a chance of getting off lightly (a suspended sentence, perhaps), but if he merely behaves himself (or, at least, doesn't get caught), he isn't punished at all.

[New Judge]

Suspended prison sentences are always accompanied by “requirements” rather like community order requirements. Those subject to a suspended sentence will also have to comply with these requirements which may include, for example, supervision by the probation service, unpaid work, or a curfew order (there are many others but these are the most frequently used).

As well as the likelihood of the suspended sentence being activated in the event of further offending, it is also likely to be activated in the event that the requirements are not complied with. So it is a little harsher than a community order in that a suspended sentence is automatically available for imposition in the event of further offending or breach of the requirements.

Before imposing a suspended sentence the judge or magistrates must be sure that the offence is so serious that it could attract an immediate custodial sentence.

[al1623]

they are a great idea. you do get some people that are silly or unlucky and commit a crime that might warrant a prison sentence however it might make this persons situation worst by sending them to jail. but if they were not detered by the whole court thing then break the law again then a judge can activate the suspended sentence and add further sentence for that new crime .