Sheriff blasts early release as arsonist caught with drugs

Borders sheriff Kevin Drummond hit out after sentencing a man who had reoffended within weeks of his release just five months into a 16-month sentence.

He claimed the practice was bringing the judicial system into disrepute and making his sentences meaningless.

Fireraiser James Easton, 20, was freed on an electronic tag, but two months after his release he was caught with more than 1,000 worth of drugs he intended to sell.

The Scottish Government has been under fire over plans to release more prisoners to curb a growing overcrowding crisis in the nation's jails. But early release schemes have proved controversial, with many of those freed going on to commit further crimes.

Mr Drummond said: "On both the custodial and non-custodial sides, the resources are not being applied and offenders are being released straight back into the community.

"I'd be failing in my duty to the public if I did not make it clear that, in my opinion, judicial disposals are largely meaningless and the system is being brought into disrepute."

The sheriff added that a problem nationally with criminal justice resources meant there was a waiting list for community service, which affected a significant number of offenders.

He explained: "According to the social work inspectorate, one-third of councils have inadequate resources, whether due to staffing or funding problems.

"A combination of a shortage of resources for community-based disposals and the way custodial sentences are being dealt with is bringing the system into disrepute and my function is becoming a charade."

Mr Drummond sent Easton, of Tweedbank, near Galashiels, to a young offenders' institution for 17 months – ten months of unexpired sentence and seven months for his latest drugs offences. Easton had admitted being concerned in the supply of 40 worth of cannabis and having 1,000 worth of cocaine with intent to supply on 24 November last year.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told that following an anonymous tip-off police stopped the car in which Easton was travelling and uncovered the illegal drugs under the front passenger seat where he had been sitting.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "There's strong evidence to suggest reoffending levels are much lower for those who carry out community penalties as opposed to short prison sentences. But our drive to toughen up and improve alternatives to custody will not be to the detriment of public safety.

"We're already making record investment in the prison estate, including the construction of three new prisons.

"We're working hard to strengthen and revitalise alternatives to locking up less serious offenders, who have no place in prison. These need to be viable, workable (and] credible."