Jail releases 12 in bid to fight virus

Prisoners let out in emergency measures

were not eligble.

A spokesperson for the SPS said: “Reductions in Scotland’s relatively high prison population will increase the availability of single-cell occupancy, in turn helping to contain the virus and making prisons safer for inmates, prison officers and NHS staff.”

Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland’s prisons have implemented significant changes in recent weeks, ending family visits and limiting time spent out of cells and I am extremely grateful to the dedication and professionalism of all those working in such challenging environments.

“By releasing a number of shortterm prisoners a few weeks, and at most 90 days, ahead of their due release date, we will ensure there is capacity to safely manage the still large number of people in custody across the prison estate.

“Public protection is paramount and there will be a ‘triple lock’ set of restrictions.

“Firstly, our emergency legislation already passed by Parliament automatically excludes those in prison for the most serious crimes, including sexual or terrorism offences.

“Secondly, the subsequent regulations now exclude anyone who is serving a prison sentence for a COVID-19 related offence, or is currently or has recently been imprisoned for domestic abuse.

“And thirdly, each prison governor will have a veto over the release of any otherwise eligible prisoner if they have a concern for the safety of an identified individual in the community.

“Even with the protections I have outlined, this is not a decision I have taken lightly. I want to assure victims of crime that this does not in any way diminish their experience.

“I and my officials are engaging closely with victims organisations to ensure we continue to meet their needs as best we can in these challenging times.

“We continue to invest in and support their work, as well as that of police as they too support victims of crime and keep communities safe.

“We are also extending the Victim Notification Scheme to ensure that victims who are registered with the scheme will be notified about the early release of a prisoner.

“In these exceptional circumstances, I continue to take the actions I consider will best reduce the prospect of harm both in Scotland’s prisons and in the wider community of which they are part.”