Island can save more with scheme

Mr Hill-Tout said it can help maintain links with employers

Guernsey's community service scheme can save the island more money than just the cost of keeping someone in prison, the scheme's manager has said.

As it stands funding is only available for the scheme until the end of 2010.

Lawrence Hill-Tout said the scheme allows those sentenced to maintain family, employment and housing links.

He said: "If they go to prison they could lose their employment and when they come out they may be a greater strain on the public purse."