MAGISTRATES in North Yorkshire are more than twice as likely to send someone to prison as courts in some other parts of the country, according to figures obtained by a charity.

The Howard League for Penal Reform says its research shows that people convicted of a crime are facing a postcode lottery when sentenced.

“Courts in North Yorkshire imposed custodial sentences in 3.8 per cent of the cases they heard in 2011 – more often than areas such as Warwickshire (1.5 per cent) and Northumbria (1.6 per cent), said a spokesman.

“The national average was 3.8 per cent. Magistrates’ courts in North Yorkshire handed down 12,418 sentences to men, women and children during 2011, of which 466 were custodial.”

Frances Crook, the league’s chief executive, claimed community sentences were much cheaper than custody and delivered better results.

“They not only address a person’s offending, but allow them to access other services they need, such as help with drink, drugs or mental health problems.”