Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people were sentenced to prison for less than (a) three months and (b) six months for each Home Office offence code in 2017.

The number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody for (a) up to and including 3 months and (b) over 3 months and up to and including 6 months for each Home Office offence code in 2017 can be viewed in the table.

Sentencing is a matter for our independent courts, who take into account all circumstances of the case, including any aggravating and mitigating factors.

Whilst there is persuasive evidence that short custodial sentences do not help some offenders turn their backs on crime, protecting the public will always be our top priority. Under this government, the most serious offenders are more likely to go to prison, and for longer, helping protect the public and keep communities safe.

Our message is simple – if you commit a serious offence, you should expect to go to prison. We will not reduce the prison population just to save money.