The attorney general has submitted a proposal in the Supreme Court for the release of prisoners as a precautionary measure to control the spread of Covid-19.

The proposal calls for the release on bail of:

• Under-trial prisoners with mental or physical health problems if their jail time is less than three years

• Women and children who are serving jail time of three years or less

It also calls for the release of prisoners who have served their jail time but are unable to pay fines and women and children who have served 75 per cent of their punishment or have one year left.