Number of inmates set for early release in Scotland almost doubles in fortnight

The number of criminals to be set free early from Scottish jails to ease overcrowding has almost doubled in a fortnight.

The SNP government claimed earlier this month that as few as 300 inmates, and no more than 500, were to be released under an emergency scheme being brought in because Scotland’s jails were full.

However, the devolved administration said on Wednesday it now expected 550 prisoners to benefit from its plan under “current modelling”, with all to have regained their freedom by July 25.

The Scottish government did not rule out that the total number of “eligible prisoners” could increase further, with offenders to be released in “tranches” from the end of next month.

Scottish Tories’ backlash

The Tories accused the SNP of attempting to “sneak out” the announcement, which officials made as MSPs were debating sanctions that Michael Matheson, the disgraced former health secretary, should face over his iPad expenses scandal.

“In a matter of days, the SNP government has increased the number of prisoners it wants to release early by 10 per cent,” Russell Findlay, justice spokesman for the Scottish Tories, said.

“Sneaking this out while all attention is on their expenses-fiddling MSP is shabby, even by their standards.

“The public deserve to know the full extent of how many criminals are going to be set free, when this will happen and what measures are being taken to protect the public.”

Criminals serving sentences of less than four years with 180 days or less left to serve are to be released early, unless they had been jailed for sexual crimes or domestic abuse.

Prisoner governors will have a veto they can exercise if they consider an inmate who is eligible “will pose an immediate risk to a specific individual or group of individuals”.

Support organisations will be given information about the release date of a prisoner under the emergency release process, where the victim has requested it.

Victorian-era prison

On Wednesday, Scotland’s prison population stood at 8,313, a slight reduction on the figure when Angela Constance, the SNP justice secretary, announced her early release plan on May 16.

A replacement to Scotland’s largest jail, Barlinnie in Glasgow, has been delayed. The Victorian-era prison has capacity for 987 inmates but has been forced to hold about 1,400 over recent months.

A site for the new jail, expected to have a capacity of about 1,200, was bought in 2020 and planning permission has been granted, but Ms Constance has suggested the final plans were yet to be completed.

The SNP government is to seek parliamentary approval for the early release scheme, although the Scottish Tories have said they will vote against it.

‘Robust safeguards in place’

Ms Constance blamed the need to release prisoners early on an “unprecedented” and rapid rise in the prison population, with an increase of about 400 over the previous two months.

She said “similar challenges” were being faced across the rest of the UK, with prisoners also being released up to 70 days early in England and Wales.

“Protecting the public remains my number one priority, which is why there are significant and robust safeguards in place,” Ms Constance said.

“Releases will also be completed in tranches so the necessary support can be provided to safely resettle released prisoners in their communities.”