Gove looks to extend ‘sobriety tags’ scheme for criminals to all London

By The Press Association26th February 2016News EnglandAlcohol, London, News England

Criminals across London could be made to wear “sobriety tags” when they are convicted of alcohol-fuelled offences.

The Ministry of Justice said it is extending the scheme throughout the capital after a pilot.

It targets those whose drinking played a part in crimes. Courts can ban offenders from consuming alcohol and fit them with an ankle bracelet which monitors their sweat.

If alcohol is detected, the individual can be returned to court to face further sanctions.

In the first year of a pilot in four London boroughs, 113 alcohol abstinence requirement orders were made and offenders were required to stay sober for up to 120 days. There was a 92% compliance rate, the MoJ said.

The scheme will be extended across London from April.

Justice Secretary Michael Gove said: “I am absolutely committed to reducing re-offending – so we can cut crime and better protect the public.

“By giving courts this new power and making the latest technology available, we are helping offenders understand the detrimental impact drinking alcohol can have on their behaviour.”

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “Alcohol-fuelled crimes put a huge strain on frontline services, costing the taxpayer billions of pounds each year.

“From assault, to drink-driving, to theft and criminal damage, this innovative technology is driving down re-offending and proving rehabilitation does not have to mean prison.”