So if you broke the law in England they would send you to Australia as punishment? I guess that would be better than going to jail, especially in the 1800's.
Yeah, but back then Australia was one huge penal colony with some fairly tough conditions.... and the trip out here, in the hold with 200 - 300 other prisoners, was no 14 day cruise, either. For many, being hereded ashore in Botany Bay was the first time they saw daylight in 3 - 4 months or more.
So no, being sent to Australia wasn't necessarily better than jail. However, those who survived those rigours went on to have better lives than many of those prisoners/former prisoners left behind in England.
And to think, Jafo may well be descended from a loaf of bread stealer.