The harsh sentences given to those convicted of riot offences are highly disproportionate, will do little to prevent reoffending, and will put even more stress on our near-capacity prison system.

The aftermath of the riots that swept through London and England earlier this month have seen thousands of arrests and custodial sentences for many of those convicted of related offences. Susan Easton argues that these punishments are not in line with those given for similar offences in other circumstances, and that they will place enormous pressure on the prison system. Community-based punishments would be a fairer and more cost-effective alternative.