The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Plan ‘would let some offenders dodge prison’
crime: Conservative MSP blasts SNP’s proposal to phase out shorter sentences
Thousands of criminals locked up last year would avoid jail under the SNP’s plan to phase out shorter sentences, new figures suggest.
Killers and sex attackers are among the 10,104 criminals sentenced to fewer than 12 months in prison in 2016-17.
The Scottish Government wants to introduce a presumption against custodial sentences of under a year, but insists judges can still impose them if it is deemed necessary.
Among those handed the short jail terms were two homicide convicts, 35 sex attackers and 99 attempted murderers or serious assault perpetrators, according to Scottish Government crime figures.
Liam Kerr, for the Scottish Conservatives, said the SNP plan “will let some of the most dangerous criminals off the hook”. He added: “It will compound the soft-touch approach which is already making life miserable for victims of crime across Scotland.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said community orders are proven to be more effective than prison at reducing reoffending rates.
“Short prison sentences have not been abolished,” the spokeswoman added.
“The courts will continue to have discretion to impose the most appropriate sentence depending on the facts and circumstances of each case, and ministers have been clear that prison remains the right sentencing option for those who pose a serious risk to public safety.”