Recommendation 16

Written evidence submitted by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons stated that the length of time that people are remanded for and the extent to which this is changing is information that is not in the public domain. The Inspectorate’s evidence also explained that “the increasing average length of time an individual is spending remanded in custody means that many require additional support. This group are at greater risk of losing their accommodation, employment and custody of their children (especially women)”.39 Further written evidence submitted by academics from the Open University and Bath Spa University explained how guilty pleas, which can expediate court processes and led to reduced sentences, are an attractive option for some people on remand regardless of their own belief in their guilt or innocence, and can therefore lead to miscarriages of justice.40