COMMENT - Is Bill Etheridge's £40,000-a-year prisoner plan 'draconian'?

He once described Hitler as a 'magnetic and forceful public speaker', and last year he referenced Enoch Powell's warning that multiculturalism would lead to 'rivers of blood', writes Political Editor Pete Madeley.

On another occasion he posed for photographs holding a golliwog, which he claimed was a symbol of political correctness.

The latter stunt led to his suspension from the Tory party, which in turn saw him join UKIP, the party he now wants to lead.

As part of his campaign to replace Nigel Farage he has announced a series of policies, and the latest one on prison reforms is sure to set the cat amongst the pigeons.

To describe Mr Etheridge's ideas as draconian could be construed as an understatement.

All prisoners would be locked away in their cells for the first six months of their sentences, with no visitors allowed.

There would be no luxuries allowed, while any prisoner attacking an officer would see 10 years added to their terms.

And to add to prisoners' woes, they would be expected to stump up the £40,000-a-year cost of staying in jail.

Added to his recent call for the death penalty to be brought back, it is the type of penal system that you would expect to see operating in Siberia.

However, Mr Etheridge seems convinced that such measures would lead to a reduction in crime.

Yet the man behind these ideas says he has never witnessed life behind bars.

As someone who has - working as a teacher, I hasten to add - I would suggest that Mr Etheridge may benefit from gaining a first-hand insight into how our jails operate.

Whilst it is undoubtedly true that some inmates find prison far too comfortable an experience, for many other jail is anything but a holiday camp.

Locking prisoners away and effectively throwing away the key is likely to lead to increased resentment and mental health issues, rather than rehabilitation.

Mr Etheridge also appears to be under the illusion that all prisoners have made fortunes from crime.

Again, this is not the case. The vast majority of people in jail would be left financially crippled by a £40,000 annual charge, which, it could be argued, may lead to them committing further crimes.

In short, some of Mr Etheridge's policies do not appear to have been particularly well thought through.

His views will no doubt evoke a few head nods in UKIP circles, but a more measured approach may be needed if he is to be considered a genuine replacement for Mr Farage.

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