Violent criminals will stay in prison VIOLENT criminals will be locked up indefinitely after the state government signalled a major change to the sentencing of offenders. As revealed by The Daily Telegraph last year, Attorney-General Greg Smith wants to toughen sentences for murderers, armed robbers and kidnappers who make no effort at rehabilitation. Mr Smith said in parliament yesterday he would change the law to keep "ticking time bombs" off the streets. "We will protect the community from hardened violent criminals who show no remorse," Mr Smith said. He said he received advice from the Sentencing Council of a "gap in the law" where serious violent offenders were released with no supervision. It is not until they commit a further offence that they can be returned to prison and the community can be protected. Mr Smith was last year criticised for not introducing the laws before the parliamentary year finished.