Violent SA crims to go straight to jail

Violent offenders in South Australia will be forced to serve some jail time under proposed new laws.

Attorney-General John Rau has introduced legislation to parliament limiting the power of courts to give suspended sentences to people guilty of manslaughter or assaults that cause serious harm.

"Under this new law, reckless thugs who receive a prison sentence of two years or more are no longer eligible to receive a fully suspended sentence," Mr Rau said.

Mr Rau said the South Australian community expected serious violent offenders to serve time behind bars.