A campaign group has criticised part-time sentences being piloted in a Lincolnshire prison as "ludicrous". The scheme allows female offenders at Morton Hall near Swinderby to spend part of their sentence working or with their families.
The Howard League for Penal Reform says there are better alternatives such as encouraging offenders to apologise to their victims.
But the court service in Lincolnshire has supported "intermittent custody".
Justices Clerk for Lincoln and Gainsborough, Peter Veigts, said part-time sentences will prove to be a useful alternative to other forms of sentencing.
Women sentenced will be sent for either weekends or week days.
So far only 13 out of 40 places in a new purpose built building have been taken up.
It is hoped if women spend time working, or with their families, they may be less likely to re-offend once released.
One-Minute World News 
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