More criminals face tagging instead of prison

More criminals will be tagged by the court in Paisley than banged up in prison, under new punishment reforms.

Justice bosses want to encourage more community sentences in preference of short stretches in jail.

Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for justice, said shifting the focus to rehabilitation to punishment is a better way to tackle re-offending.

Mr Matheson said: “There will always be cases where the court rightly takes the view that a prison sentence is absolutely justified, but for those who do end up in custody, we must think beyond bricks and mortar.

“A just, equitable and inclusive society is one that is supported by a progressive evidence- based justice system; a system which works with communities to reduce – and ultimately prevent – further offending. A system which holds individuals to account for their offending, but ultimately supports them to make positive contributions to our communities.

“Electronic monitoring is already an important tool in the delivery of justice. It carries a punitive element and offers a range of options to improve public protection, while allowing an individual to maintain their employment and family links.

“Over the past decade this Government has taken steps to end our reliance on custody.”

The Justice Secretary recently cited evidence at Holyrood that over half those released from a prison sentence of 12 months or less – with little scope for effective rehabilitation – are reconvicted within a year, compared to a third of those who had served a community sentence.