Rapists ‘could be spared jail as prisons hit breaking point’: Judges are told that emergency scheme to release lower-risk inmates could be announced by ministers as early as next week

Rapists could be spared jail from next week as prisons reach breaking point, it was reported last night.

Sex offenders and burglars could be let out on bail rather than handed an immediate custodial sentence, according to guidance issued to judges.

The most dangerous criminals will reportedly have to be held in magistrates’ court cells if they are remanded in custody.

Prisons in England and Wales are on the brink of maximum capacity, with 88,016 inmates last Friday –…