Young offenders are to be kept out of jail after research revealed their sentences were not working.

The Youth Justice Board has said that Detention and Training Orders, which combine custodial and community sentences for repeat offenders, should be scrapped.

The Independent reports one Home Office official describing the results of the scheme as "pathetic" and says it will be replaced by more vigilant community based punishments.

If implemented the reforms will keep 3000 young people out of jail and save around £14 million per year but officials insist it is not a cost cutting measure.