I would say 25% of the inmates have severe mental problems and should be being treated in secure, decent, constructive, supportive units; not prisons.

I would say 50% of inmates in UK prisons should not be there.

Take myself. I happen to be innocent of the convictions against me. I never abused or took advantage of anyone. But let us, for the sake of argument, assume that I was guilty.

What benefit to society did locking me up achieve? Nothing.

PUNISHMENT? Yes, if someone is guilty of a crime they should be punished. But I must tell you, the restriction on my liberty over the two years I was on parole were just as uncomfortable (and far more expensive) than the 3&1/2 years spent in prison.

My "crimes" took place 25 years ago. What benefit to society was there when there were no recent claims or prosecutions? Why lock me up to "protect" anyone?

Even if I had been guilty, nobody needed "protection" 25 years later.

Very expensive (