Criminals served alcohol abstinence orders could be forced to wear tags that monitor sweat

The ankle tags will monitor an offender's sweat every 30 minutes to check whether they have drunk alcohol, after being slapped with an "alcohol abstinence order".

If they drink, they could be hauled back to court for another punishment like a fine, an extension of the order, or could be sent to jail.

An estimated 39% of violent crime involves an offender under the influence of alcohol, and the social and economic cost of alcohol-related harm is estimated to be £21.5 billion per year, according to the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Pilots in Humberside, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and London indicated offenders were alcohol free on 97% of the days monitored, the MoJ said, and they reported this having a "positive impact on their lives, wellbeing and behaviour".

The plan, which will see courts order offenders to wear a tag for up to 120 days, is due to be rolled out across the country later this year.

The technology is said to be able to distinguish between alcohol-based products like hand sanitiser and can detect when contact between the skin and tag is blocked.

Crime, policing and justice minister Kit Malthouse said the tagging system will not only punish offenders but "can help turn their lives around", adding: "Alcohol-fuelled crime blights communities and puts an unnecessary strain on our frontline services.

"While prison will always be the right place for many criminals, tough community sentences like this can help cut reoffending and protect the public."

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