“I would like to see hard labour where sentencing is concerned,” she said. “On the American films you see guys in chain gangs who have to do hard labour.”

Mrs Platt, who is opposed to capital punishment, added: “What can the Government do as a deterrent to violent crime? A young man on the street is not bothered about prison.

“For some people prison is a holiday camp. They get three square meals a day, a gym and satellite TV.”

In the US, hardline Sheriff Joe Arpaio has earned plaudits for introducing gruelling chain gang punishments in Arizona. On a recent visit to Britain he too compared Britain’s prisons to holiday camps.

In the past, Labour ministers have called for chain-gang style community punishment, but there is no sign their suggestions will be adopted by the Home Office. Former Home Office minister Hazel Blears called for “intense, high-profile” community work for convicted thugs.

Lord Falconer, former Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary admitted yesterday Mrs Platt’s comments were further evidence that the criminal justice system is failing the public.

He told the inquiry: “It is significant that part of the evidence has come from Paula Platt who has been a victim of crime in a way most of us would find hard to imagine.”

Danielle was shot as she walked home from Nottingham’s Goose Fair in October 2004. Two men aged 20 and 24 were later jailed for her murder.

The committee will also hear from other victims of crime, including Helen Newlove, widow of Garry Newlove. He was beaten to death by yobs as he tried to protect his home.