Early release for up to 450 prisoners
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Regulations to help combat coronaviurs by releasing up to 450 prisoners early have been laid before Holyrood.
The scheme is limited to prisoners originally sentenced to less than 18 months who, as of today, have less than 90 days left to serve in custody.
Certain groups of prisoners will be excluded from the process.
It's argues that reducing Scotland’s prison population will increase the availability of single-cells, 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 short-term 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."
The Scottish Prison Service will be issuing detailed notifications to each local authority regarding the individuals who will be considered for possible early release.
The releases will be phased over the following 28 days.
Victims can access free and confidential practical and emotional support by contacting Victim Support Scotland. Their helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm on 0800 160 1985.
Further sources of help and advice for victims can be found on mygov.scot
Click here for news from Moray
