It was swamped with hundreds of applications for prisoner release after the introduction of Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPP).

BBC: Rapist Samuel Betteridge wins damages from government

Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, said new guidelines and the introduction of indeterminate terms meant prison sentences were "far tougher and far harsher" than 10 years ago.

BBC: Last Updated: Friday, 9 March 2007, 16:15 GMT

He highlighted the introduction of community payback orders which he said were an effective alternative to short term prison sentences.

BBC: Lib Dems: Prisons debate