The number of people sentenced for fraud and criminal damage fell during the last quarter of 2008, while fewer juveniles and young adults were sent to prison, statistics released today reveal.

Provisional Ministry of Justice data show that from October to December last year, 75,300 people were sentenced in the Crown and magistrates’ courts. There was a 28% drop in the number of people imprisoned for criminal damage and a 27% fall in those sentenced for fraud and forgery compared with the fourth quarter of 2007.

The number of juveniles and young adults sentenced fell by 10% and 14% respectively.

There were increases in the numbers sentenced for burglary, theft and handling stolen goods and drug offences; the largest percentage increase being for drug offences, up 13%.

During the quarter, 20,600 people were sentenced in the Crown court, an increase of 6%. The figures showed a 17% rise in the number of community sentences and a decrease of 1.6% in the number of people who received a fine. The average custodial sentence length rose from 24.9 months to 25.1 months.

The information was prepared by Offender Management and Sentencing Analytical Services. Final 2008 data will be published in the annual bulletin of sentencing statistics at the end of the year.

To see the full results for October to December 2008, go to: www.justice.gov.uk/latest-updates/sentencingquarterly.htm.