Courts anger at 'leniency' claims

Mr Kernaghan said he was trying to stimulate debate

Magistrates have defended themselves against claims by a police chief they are handing out lenient sentences.

Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan, of Hampshire Constabulary, said on Tuesday officers were being demoralised by courts appearing to favour criminals.

Mr Kernaghan said the courts sometimes appeared overly-concerned with available prison space when sentencing.

The Magistrates' Association said on Wednesday Mr Kernaghan's comments were "extremely unhelpful".

In a statement, the association said: "It is not right that sentences are criticised in this way. It is unreasonable.

We look at [every case] on their merits and don't give out prison sentences only if a cell is available Magistrates' Association

"We take every case individually and look at the seriousness of the crimes.

"We look at them on their merits and don't give out prison sentences only if a cell is available."

Mr Kernaghan had said it was "demoralising for officers and the communities they serve when some courts appear more concerned with the needs of offenders and the size of the prison estate than the need to prevent re-offending."

On Wednesday, he said he was trying to "stimulate informed debate".