When prison is preferable to life on the streets

Feltham young offenders institution. ‘A vigorous and fundamental review of the way we look after vulnerable, challenging children, even when they offend, must be undertaken,’ writes John Weightman. Photograph: Steve Parsons/PAAs a criminal defence solicitor representing clients in the magistrates court it is clear to me that the majority of offenders given short-term sentences are sent to prison either because they ask to be sent or because they have failed to comply with a community