Clarke backs 'yob uniforms'

Charles Clarke today gave his strong backing to the idea of forcing criminals to wear uniforms while doing community service.

The Home Secretary said the proposal, floated by Home Office minister Hazel Blears at the weekend, was a "goer".

Ms Blears came under fire yesterday after it appeared that Downing Street and the Home Office were backing off the proposal. But Mr Clarke today revealed that a scheme to "badge" offenders on community sentences was already being piloted in south London.