Jail-seeking drug offender backs support sentences

William shared his story with BBC reporter Stuart Whincup

A drug user who used to “purposefully” get sent to prison says a new scheme being tested by the courts is turning his life around.

Teesside is one of three places in England piloting intensive supervision courts (ISCs) which help criminals to "face up to the root causes" of their offending.

The initiative helped 22-year-old William break a cycle of drug-driven crime that saw him jailed nine times.

He says he is now getting support which has “changed my life”.

William added: "I'd purposefully go to jail to sort myself out, but it never worked.

“The last time I went, the judge offered me this scheme and it's the best thing I've ever done."

Support schemes

ISCs were introduced at Teesside Combined Court in June last year and are used in cases involving low level offences.

As part of the pilot, which is also running in Liverpool and Birmingham, criminals handed community orders are monitored closely and must attend regular review meetings.

They can access specialist drug and alcohol treatment and receive intensive supervision from the probation service.

The programme opens doors to other support - including help to access education, employment and housing opportunities – but failure to engage with the conditions could lead to increased jail time.

'I liked prison'

A seasoned drug user by 15, William would steal to afford cocaine, cannabis and other drugs.

He was no stranger to prison, often seeking out custodial sentences.

"It was mainly for somewhere to live as I was homeless a lot," he said.

"But I wouldn't say prison changed me for the better, I used to like going there.

"I'd get fed, see people, my mental health would be better and I'd feel safe."

'Good life'

At his lowest point, William overdosed and says he came round in hospital thinking "if I don't change, I'll be dead".

The next time he was before the courts, it was an ISC and a life-changing moment.

He said: "I'm getting all the right support now.

"It's changed my life, meeting all of those that support me, I'm very grateful for what they've done.

"Now, I'm hoping to get a nice job, a family and a good life."

ISCs are part of the government's 10-year drug strategy.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk said: "Clamping down on the root causes of addiction will help us combat the scourge of drug and alcohol-fuelled crime which costs the taxpayer £22bn a year.

"This tough new approach is a tried and tested model that we know cuts crime and makes our communities safer."