The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high. 

Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year. 

The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%. 

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge their focus is on reducing victims of crime, not sending people to jail. 

But he says if it leads to a higher prison population in the short term, so be it. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high.&nbsp;
Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year.&nbsp;
The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%.&nbsp;
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge their focus is on reducing victims of crime, not sending people to jail.&nbsp;
But he says if it leads to a higher prison population in the short term, so be it.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Paul Goldsmith: Justice Minister on the number of criminals being sent to prison reaching an all-time high

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/d1420cf0-ea1d-4ff0-a8c0-b35a0173b990/transcript