New plan for early release of short-term prisoners in Scotland

In October, the Scottish government shelved proposals for the automatic early release of long-term prisoners due to concerns from victims of crime.

At the time the justice secretary said a consultation process had revealed “significant practical difficulties” but she was still committed to considering changes to the rules for long-term prisoners.

Unveiling the proposals on Tuesday, Ms Constance said the prison population had continued to rise and was projected to reach critical levels again.

“Long-term action is necessary to deliver a sustained reduction to the prison population and support the effective functioning of prisons,” she said.

“The proposals include built-in exemptions for those serving sentences for sexual offences or domestic abuse.

“We need the prison system to focus on those who pose the greatest risk to the public and provide a range of support to help reduce reoffending and integration back into the community.”

Ms Constance said she recognised that victims and their families may have concerns, and that she would engage with victims’ organisations ahead of any changes.

Victim support groups have previously said that early release has been shown not to work.

The Scottish Conservatives have described the early release of prisoners as a betrayal of victims and said it compromises community safety.