Short prison sentences to be phased out next year

Controversial Scottish Government plans to extend the presumption against short sentences from three to 12 months are to be in place by the end of next year.

Justice secretary Michael Matheson announced the timetable for the plans to Holyrood and defended the move towards more community sentences.

Opposition politicians have accused the Scottish Government of operating a soft-touch justice system as a result of the changes made as part of Nicola Sturgeon’s Programme for Government.

Mr Matheson also said Scotland’s first two community custody units, managing lower-risk female prisoners closer to local services and support, would be located in Maryhill, Glasgow and at a site still to be confirmed in Dundee.