Similar programmes have cut re-offending rates by up to 20%

Exeter Prison is using psychology classes to make prisoners aware of the impact their crimes have on other people.

Similar programmes in other parts of the country and abroad have shown that re-offending rates can be reduced by up to 20%.

The classes give the prisoners a release from being locked in their cells for 23 hours a day.

One of the prison students, Gary, said: "Over the last 25 years I have been inside almost every year, and sometimes twice a year.

"My way of thinking now is that I want to go out of here and lead a decent life.

Prisoners are going out with a focus in life and self-belief - believing they can make a difference without resorting to crime Alan Songhurst, course tutor

"I want to do things differently to what I have done in the past and I can see these classes helping me achieve that."

David Rendall, of Victim Support, who help lead some of the classes, said the scheme was proving very beneficial.

"In one particular case of mine, an offender was apprehended and he admitted to over 240 separate offences.

"If we can make that person realise change is good and the effect that crime has on victims, if he doesn't re-offend then we are dealing with at least 200 less victims."

Major effect

Course tutor Alan Songhurst said he thought the long-term results from the course would be encouraging.

"I think it can have a major effect on re-offending.

"They are going out with a focus in life and self-belief - believing they can make a difference without resorting to crime.