‘Dangerous criminals’ build bird tables as punishment

CRIMINALS who commit serious offences in Scotland are being punished by building bird tables and “bee hotels”, it has emerged.

The Scottish Tories said the tasks, which were assigned by councils as part of community sentences, were “completely inappropriate” and made a mockery of victims’ suffering.

Lists of activities obtained under Freedom of Information laws show that in Snp-run Glasgow, building wooden bird boxes for care homes and “mud kitchens” for nurseries was among the “creative work” offenders were given.

In Renfrewshire, a council also run by the SNP, building bee hotels for schools is one of the woodwork tasks performed to complete sentences.

The structures are designed to attract solitary bees who lay eggs inside.

The responses also show that more than 650,000 hours of unpaid community service are yet to be carried out.

The SNP government has introduced a presumption against jail sentences of less than 12 months, which it claims are ineffective. However, the party has faced accusations that it has created a “soft touch” justice system.

The unfinished work, issued by judges as part of a Community Payback Order (CPO), equates to around 76 years, the Tories have said.

Jamie Greene, justice spokesman for the Scottish Tories, said “dangerous criminals” were not facing appropriate consequences for their offences.

According to Criminal Proceedings in Scotland statistics for 2019/20, eight criminals convicted of homicide were given CPOS, along with one person convicted of rape or attempted rape.

“It is bad enough that rapists and domestic abusers are being handed community sentences to begin with, but the fact that the equivalent of 76 years’ worth of unpaid work is outstanding will stun victims of crime,” Mr Greene said.

“Making bird tables or bee hotels is not an appropriate punishment for some of the horrific crimes these criminals have committed.

“Scottish Conservative councillors will ensure criminals are made to carry out proper [punishments].”

An SNP spokesman said: “The Tories have no credibility on justice [issues].”