Number of offenders breaching terms of early release doubles

THE number of former offenders recalled to prison after breaching parole almost doubled last year, according to new figures.

A total of 73 people were referred to the parole board because of their actions following release, and 51 of those were sent back to the cells – up on 27 the previous year.

A further 166 people released on licence – because they had served half of a sentence of less than four years, or two-thirds of a longer sentence – also came under scrutiny because of breaches or new offences, with 117 of those recalled to custody.

The figures have led to renewed calls for an end to the automatic early release of prisoners half-way through sentences of less than four years. The Scottish Parliament has passed legislation to do so, but ministers have yet to bring it into force.

The latest report also revealed that 48 people who had been sentenced to life were released on parole in 2010-11.

Scottish Labour’s justice spokesman, Lewis Macdonald, said: “Since 2007 the SNP government has been promising to scrap automatic early release.

“These deeply worrying figures, that show an increasing number of criminals convicted of violent or sexual offences are being released early, highlight the need to end automatic early release. It is time for action.”

David McLetchie, the Conservatives’ justice spokesman, said: “These figures demonstrate that life imprisonment is becoming a meaningless concept.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman added: “Increased public safety measures in recent years mean supervision is now more effective and breaches of licence more readily identified and acted on.”