Labour was accused of taking the side of criminals on Sunday as ministers press ahead with the abolition of most short-term prison sentences.
Under radical reforms to be put before Parliament next month that have been branded soft justice, tens of thousands of shoplifters, thugs and even sex offenders will be spared jail.
The Sentencing Bill will urge judges not to lock anyone up for less than 12 months except in exceptional circumstances such as domestic abuse cases.
It will also extend the maximum length of suspended terms from two to three years.
Even serious criminals who are put behind bars will be able to earn early release under a new incentive scheme based on the system in Texas.
