The phrase "imprisonable offence" refers to a crime or wrongdoing that is serious enough to be punishable by imprisonment. It means that if someone commits this offense, they can be sent to jail or prison as a consequence. Full definition
Civic rights go with civic responsibility, but these rights have been flagrantly violated by those who have committed imprisonable offences.» (telegraph.co.uk)
By 2005 the National Association of Probation Officers was warning that people were being jailed for breaching their Asbo, despite the behaviour which originally earned it not being an imprisonable offence. (politics.co.uk)
Under the Criminal Justice Act, police can take and keep DNA samples from anyone arrested for an imprisonable offence - regardless of whether they are found guilty. (politics.co.uk)