OFFENDERS could be banned from pubs, concerts and sports grounds under plans to give judges powers to pass tougher community sentences.

The new measures, applying in England and Wales, would allow courts to restrict driving, issue travel bans and enforce “restriction zones” confining offenders to certain areas.

Breaches of conditions could lead to lawbreakers reappearing before a judge and receiving harsher punishment.

The rules would also apply to prisoners released on licence, with mandatory drug testing extended to cover all those freed.

Ministers say the changes are part of efforts to ease the severe shortage of prison places by providing alternatives to custody.

Courts already impose limited restrictions, such as banning football hooligans from grounds, but the new powers could be applied for any offence.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “These new punishments should remind all offenders that, under this government, crime does not pay.

“Rightly, the public expect the government to do everything in its power to keep Britain safe and that’s what we’re doing.”

The government will bring forward legislation for the new powers, which will be monitored by probation officers.