The prison population in England and Wales has hit an all-time high of 80,303, figures show.
The total number of inmates rose by 100 overnight from the previous record, which was set on Thursday.
Prison Service bosses have been forced to start using court cells to hold some inmates as police cells near capacity.
The Lord Chancellor, who will soon take over responsibility for prisons, has refused to rule out early release schemes to ease overcrowding.
On Friday, prison sources told the BBC that the population in England and Wales had reached 80,303, including 384 held in police cells as part of the emergency Operation Safeguard back-up plan.
So basically if I work this out correctly from figures for the absolute maximum number of prison places with all overspill etc (this was worked out at around 80,250 places back at the end of January 2007)... there is currently ZERO prison places... so only the worst crimes will see custodial sentencing now, and many prisoners will get early release.
What I can't understand is two things, firstly, how come they couldnt see this coming before about 6 months ago when the crisis first came to light because the prisons suddenly hit breaking point, and secondly, why can't they use the old prisons that are no longer deemed suitable? They are prisoners, its not supposed to be a life of luxury, if they dont like the conditions in old style prisons and cells, then they shouldnt do the crime and they wont have to do the time. Dont know where Human Rights campaigners are getting off on this one.....
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