The number of convicted criminals being sent to prison is at an all-time high. 

Ministry of Justice data shows more than seven thousand people were sent to prison following convictions in the year to June, up 14% on the previous year. 

The proportion of people who received prison sentences is the highest on record, at 15%. 

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith told Ryan Bridge their focus is on reducing victims of crime, not sending people to jail. 

But he says if it leads to a higher prison population in the short term, so be it. 

LISTEN ABOVE