24 Apr 2010

Prison numbers reach record high

10:10 am on 24 April 2010

The prison population in England and Wales has reached a record high, exceeding 85,000 for the first time.

There are currently 85,076 inmates, compared with 84,897 in March.

If the rise continues at this rate, the total will surpass 85,700 by the end of June.

But the BBC reports there are still 2000 places left: capacity is 87,196.