Main content

Female prisoner: 'I used to use jail as a break'

The Justice Minister Simon Hughes tells 5 live Breakfast that more needs to be done to keep women out of prison, and that the female prison population in England and Wales should be halved.

Mr Hughes speaking ahead of an announcement that a scheme to stop female offenders ending up in jail is to be expanded. It involves giving more support to women at the point of arrest, sentencing and release from prison.

5 live was given special access to Styal women's prison in Cheshire where Rachel Burden met inmates Joanne and Vicky. They have both had their problems with drugs and their account is typical of many of the women inside the jail.

This clip is originally from 5 live Breakfast on Thursday 29th January 2015.

Release date:

Duration:

2 minutes

This clip is from