A new project to stop released prisoners committing crimes after leaving jail has been introduced in Devon.

The scheme in Exeter, called Prospects, will provide former prisoners with accommodation and support to prevent them re-offending.

Recent Prison Service figures suggest if offenders have accommodation when they leave prison it reduces the chances of re-conviction by 20%.

People who are serving short sentences did not automatically qualify for such help, but the new pilot scheme aims to change that.

The scheme hopes to stop people re-offending

The project involves a number of groups, including Exeter Prison, which will help to identify the people who are likely to benefit from the support.

It will be available to those sentenced for less than 12 months, persistent offenders, people with a history of drug abuse and those with housing problems.

Exeter Prison Deputy Governor Gary Ingram said released prisoners often have good intentions to go straight, but problems start when they are back in society.

He said: "Well-motivated people get as far as the prison gate and they're frightened about what's going to exist outside because they know there's a danger they'll go back to the same way.

"This will be a supported premises where they can sustain that motivation."

Appropriate site

Former heroin user Gary said he would welcome the idea.

He said: "I got released from prison with nowhere to go and with no help.

"If there was a scheme available I'd have been very interested in it."

The accommodation will offer 15 places and will be administered by the Stonham Housing Association.

No site for the accommodation has been agreed yet, but the Prison Service said it will be located at an appropriate location, in consultation with local people.

If the pilot project is successful, it will then be copied in other parts of the country.