A RECORD share of older inmates are behind bars at Haverigg Prison, figures reveal.

Charity Age UK said the increasing number of older prisoners across England and Wales mirrors the country’s ageing population.

Figures from the Ministry of Justice show 72 inmates at HMP Haverigg were aged 60 or over at the end of September – 23.8% of the 303 total prisoners.

This was up from 20.9% a year before, and the highest proportion for that time of year since records began in 2015.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "Our population is ageing and so inevitably this is being reflected in the numbers of older people living, and dying, in prison.

Bill Wagstick said: "Did you know if you do not pay the TV licence fee? They send you to prison where you can watch TV for free. HMP, the best care home in the world for the OAP."

Angus MeCoatup said: "It would be wonderful if a large proportion turned out to be so called 'Insulate Britain' criminals."

Dalton said: "The figures show two things. The system doesn't work, and we have a large number of regular offenders. If Age Concern bothered to check the charge sheets held by police offices throughout the country over the past few years, they would realise the same surnames appear over the decades. It is a fact that every town and city have families that spew out offenders year after year."

Steve Wadds said: "If you don't pay the TV Licence then you can be fined at Court. If you don't pay the fine - just as if you don't pay any other fine - you can be imprisoned. But that's for non-payment of a fine (which I believe is contempt of court but I'll take information here is anyone knows differently) and certainly not imprisonment for not having a licence. And you don't watch TV for free in prison. A small deduction is made from your earnings, and your bang-up allowance each week for having a TV in the cell you have."