Longer prison sentences are more effective, a new study has found

"CRIMINALS who are given longer jail sentences are less likely to reoffend, a new study has found.

The Ministry of Justice report will be seized upon by MPs and critics opposed to Justice Secretary Ken Clarke's plans to give fewer jail sentences.

Mr Clarke claimed last year that prison was "costly and ineffectual" and vowed to slash the number of criminals sent to prison.

But yesterday's comprehensive study of reoffending rates found criminals who spend more time in jail are less likely to reoffend than those given softer sentences.

The Ministry of Justice should file this study under "No $h!t, Sherlock"....

Awesome

I would like to see the study expanded to include more sentences than just 1-2 years and 2-4 years. This is a very limited analysis.