First-time offenders to avoid criminal records

Conservatives have set out plans for a major overhaul of drugs services in Scotland, including proposals which could see first-time offenders escape a criminal record.

In addition to creating local commissions, which could order first-time drug offenders into treatment if they opt to avoid prosecution, the party wants personalised “life plans” to be drawn up for everyone who comes forward for help, as well as reviews of all drugs deaths.

Figures published earlier this year revealed there were a record 934 drugs-related deaths in Scotland last year – more than double the total of 2007.

Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs insisted “fresh thinking and a new national approach is critical”.

The Tories have claimed the changes could halve the number of drug deaths within five years. They have set the target of increasing the number of addicts in treatment from 40 per cent to 60 per cent. Mr Briggs stated: “As many as 1,000 Scots are expected to die from drug related deaths this year alone.”