Prisoners face loss of right to early release

AUTOMATIC early release for some of Scotland's most dangerous prisoners would end under proposals drawn up by the Sentencing Commission, it emerged yesterday.

The commission has been tasked with drawing up plans to change the system of early release amid demands for greater transparency in sentencing.

The independent body has reportedly prepared seven models for the release of criminals, six of which would end the arrangement whereby certain long-term prisoners are automatically released after serving two-thirds of their sentence.

The Executive is committed to introducing major changes to sentencing and early release to shore up public confidence in a system perceived by many as "soft" on criminals.

An Executive spokesman yesterday said that maintaining the status quo on early release was "not an option". He added: "Ministers want to change the early-release system, which is why they have tasked the commission to look at it."

At present, the parole board can choose to parole prisoners sentenced to four years or more once they have served half their sentence. Those considered a risk are kept in custody until they have served two-thirds, at which point they are released on licence, regardless of any concerns the board may have. Those serving less than four years are automatically released after half their sentence.

According to a report, one commission model suggests prison governors should decide when particular prisoners are released, not the parole board.

A spokesman for the commission said no decisions had yet been made. He said: "The commission is currently reviewing the law on the early release of prisoners and their supervision on release.

"While it has a range of possible early-release regimes under consideration, these are simply examples."

The commission is consulting on what proposals it should put forward and will report its recommendations to ministers before the end of the year.

The SNP's justice spokesman, Kenny MacAskill, said: "There should be transparency in sentencing. What you see is what you should get and what you will serve. We have got ourselves in a mess, perhaps understandably, but we need a system the public has confidence in."

Annabel Goldie, the Scottish Conservative home affairs spokeswoman, said: "If they [ministers] are serious, they will back my amendment to the Management of Offenders Bill, which will end automatic early release for every prisoner.

"Automatic early release is failing victims, threatening communities and creating further needless victims. We need to ensure that convicted criminals can only earn limited remission by demonstrating co-operation, good conduct and a willingness to address offending behaviour.

"By adopting these measures, the Executive could show that it is putting the protection of the public first. Otherwise, it stands accused of being more interested in emptying prisons."