Thousands of people across the UK may have been stopped and searched illegally, figures released by the Home Office suggest.

Powers under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act were used in "error" after the proper authorisations were not given.

In one example, for April 2004, the Met Police stopped 840 people.

Dozens of other examples from across the UK have been uncovered before rules were tightened in 2008.

Police Minister Nick Herbert said administrative errors were to blame and has ordered an internal review of procedures.

The Metropolitan Police is also urgently considering what steps can be taken to contact the individuals concerned.

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10283701.stm

The POLICE - THE CPS - THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK and THE PRISON SERVICE.

NONE OF THEM are fit for purpose.

The new government has its work cut out. The whole system is a total mess with criminals laughing whilst innocent people are filling the courts and prisons because of the crazy regime that has run the Justice System into a cul de sac of stupid PC rules.

I am not suprised that STOP AND SEARCHs have been illegal. 95% of what the UK police have done in the last 5 years has been illegal under any other democratic government.

It is time to LOBBY our MPs to change the laws on

1. Terrorism - to make them fair again

2. Historic and False Allegation - to make them require real evidence not just hearsay allegations backed with nothing but hot air and fantasy.

3. ALL stop and search powers should be reviewed.

4. Sentences should only be given if they are over 2 years. Otherwise Community sentences should be given. "In and Out" sentences of under 2 years actually contribute to crime and encourage criminals. Custodial sentences should be the LAST RESORT and then we can save taxpayers money !!

Finally : Cut the POLICE budget and free them from paperwork. Get them back on the beat preventing crime happening rather than reacting in fast cars with sirens. Make them respected again because they TALK to the ordinary people and have INTELLIGENCE about what is happening rather than them having to MAKE IT ALL UP !!!!

Funnily enough, having served 3.5 years for crimes that never took place, I disagree with your short sentences theory. It's the initial impact and the first few months that affects. I think longer sentences should be reviewed and thousands of lifers released.