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Criminals involved in violent acts that result in major, life-altering harm to their victims may soon be considered for early release from prison, having served less than a third of their sentence.
SNPYesterday, ministers introduced additional 'light-handed' changes aimed at releasing prisoners sooner to alleviate pressure on Scotland's overfilled prisons.
Under the 'reckless' plan unveiled by Justice Secretary Angela Constance, offenders serving four years or less will qualify for earlier release after completing 30 per cent of their sentence, a reduction from the current 40 per cent.
The action was criticized as 'dangerous' and an 'offense' to those affected bycrime. The only exceptions will apply to individuals who are serving sentences related to domestic violence or sexual crimes.
A man who was a drug driver and caused a head-on collision that resulted in the death of a mother of four was sentenced to four years in prison, making him eligible for early release under the proposed measures.
Scottish Conservative justice spokesperson Liam Kerr stated: 'Cutting short-term sentences to only 30 per cent is a risky approach that essentially makes punishments ineffective. This irresponsible strategy stems directly from the SNP's inability to create enough prison space and the shortcomings of their temporary release initiative to ease this burden.'
It's a disrespect to those who have been harmed that individuals sentenced for major assault, drug-related offenses, and other severe crimes will be released after serving less than a third of their sentence.
Four stages of 'emergency' prisoner releases have already resulted in 415 individuals being released, with an additional 200 expected to be freed by April.
Ms Constance revealed the new measure yesterday at Holyrood, stating that further adjustments to the early release criteria were needed 'to achieve a continued decrease in the number of prisoners,' which stands at 8,301.
She suggested reducing the early release threshold for 'short-term' inmates who have received sentences of four years or under, excluding those found guilty of domestic violence or sexual crimes, from 40% of their sentence to 30%.
Ms Constance stated: 'It is still essential that individuals who present the highest risk of causing harm to the public are kept in prison. Nevertheless, there are currently an excessive number of people in our prisons.'
Tory MSP Sharon Dowey pointed out some individuals who will qualify for early release. She stated, 'We have witnessed the High Court hand down four-year prison sentences for knife attacks that result in serious injury, lasting facial damage, and even necessitating urgent brain surgery.'
Can the Cabinet Secretary verify if, according to her plans, individuals found guilty of crimes of this severity might be released after completing approximately 30 per cent of their sentence?
Ms Constance stated, "The aim of this Government is not to establish a ranking of offenses." Debbie Adams, the acting chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, mentioned that the alteration "could lead to more victims and diminish the public's trust and belief in the legal system."
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