Hundreds of prisoners to be released early in Scotland after MSPs back plan
Regulations to allow the emergency early release of prisoners will come into force after MSPs backed the Scottish government’s plan to ease pressure on the country’s jails.
Around 514 prisoners will be released in four waves, starting at the end of this month.
Only inmates serving short sentences of under four years who have 180 days or less left to serve will be considered for release.
Prisoners serving life sentences, or those who are currently behind bars for sexual, domestic abuse or terror-based offences, will automatically be excluded from the scheme.
Prison governors will also have the power to veto the release of any inmate they deem an “immediate risk” to a specific individual or group.
Timescales:
• Tranche one: Those with less than 45 days left to serve will be released on 26 and 27 June.
• Tranche two: Those with 45-89 days left to serve will be released on 3 and 4 July.
• Tranche three: Those with 90-134 days left to serve will be released on 10 and 11 July.
• Tranche four: Those with 135-180 days left to serve will be released 17 and 18 July.
Eligible prisoners whose release is not completed within the appropriate tranche will be set free as soon “as is practicable” before the process end date of 25 July.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
The move comes amid a spike in prison population numbers, which Justice Secretary Angela Constance said is putting the estate at “critical risk”.
Ms Constance told Holyrood in May that the country’s prison population had increased sharply by around 400 in the space of two months, and 13% since the beginning of 2023.
On 16 May it was sitting at 8,348, one of the highest levels ever recorded in Scotland. It has since dropped to 8,294 – which is still above the target operating capacity of 8,007.
After being backed by MSPs on Wednesday, from 13 June the Scottish government will be able to bring into force section 11 of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023, which provides ministers with the power to release prisoners in emergency situations.
Angela Constance, Scotland’s justice secretary. Pic: PA
Following Scottish parliament approval, Ms Constance said: “Immediate and urgent action is needed to deal with the significant recent rise in the prison population.
“The same challenges in prisons are faced across the UK and the UK government has taken similar action in England and Wales.
“Through this emergency early release plan, backed by parliament, we are responding to this critical situation and ensuring the safety and welfare of staff and prisoners.
“Protecting the public remains my absolute priority, which is why there are significant and robust safeguards in place and only those due to be released in the next short while are eligible.
“Releases will also be completed in tranches so the necessary support can be provided to safely resettle released prisoners in their communities.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Prisoner released early talks to Sky News
Read more:
Prisoner released early describes ‘chaos’ amid chronic overcrowding
Early release prison scheme causing ‘high-risk offenders to be let out’
Victim Support Scotland has previously raised concerns about how victims will be notified.
Those not registered with the victim notification scheme will reportedly have to contact one of four support organisations to find out if the offender in their case is among those being released early.
Scottish Tory justice spokesperson Russell Findlay said: “Many victims of serious crimes will first hear about this on tonight’s news. This will cause fear and anxiety.
“Prisoners being set free will have committed serious crimes, including violence.”
Ms Constance said the Scottish government is working with victim support organisations to ensure information and help is available where needed.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
Read more from Sky News:
Ten Reform councillors quit in protest
Liz Truss sends cease and desist letter to Starmer
As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
-
Sports2 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports9 months agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports1 year agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports3 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business2 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway