This is a bit....ott, but, I recon we need effective punishment, to remind the person not to do it again.
This country works on financial punishment as we are a supposed nation of traders. And so, if you have no money, the punishment doesn't work. How about, for example, for minor offences that need a strong reminder that this should not be done, tying the person up, removing their back covering and giving a number of lashes with a whip. The back is washed before hand, and once this is done, some antiseptic is applied, and thats it. No A & E, they are locked up for about 7 days to let it heal, so they have a permanent reminder. For people getting drunk and kicking someones head in, an extension on the above.
Also a new cheaper cell, approx a dog kennel in size surrounded with a high wire fence, and secured with someone with a water cannon. In all weathers, no matter the temperature.
As for people like the recent one who was plotting to behead a soldier, well, he thinks a lot of Afganistan all the stuff he has sent there like night vision kit etc, why not send him there. His kids are unsafe because of their training, so send them as well. He obviously wants to look after his mother, so he brought her over (and was claiming carers benefit for). Right send the lot, wife included, over to Afganistan and let them survive. The family loose british citizenship of course, as they are unsafe to allow remain.
I think the problem is criminals claiming their "human rights". Fine, but if you kick in someone's head, you are not acting like a human being, so you loose any right to be treated like a human being. Punishment can therefore be "appropriate".
We have to regain the respect element in this country.
Ken