MSP says prison release plan is letting down crime victims

It was confirmed this week that in the next four weeks, up to 550 prisoners will be released early because of overcrowding problems in Scottish jails.

But Labour's Katy Clark said the Victim Notification Scheme was “not fit for purpose” as it emerged just two per cent of victims were to be notified.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance admitted in answer to a Parliamentary question on Wednesday that “the number of enquiries regarding the Victim Notification Scheme remains low, at 12”.

Ms Clark, Scottish Labour's spokesperson for community safety and a regional MSP for West Scotland, said: “These shockingly low numbers show the extent to which this SNP government is letting down the victims of crime.

“Prison release services are overwhelmed and charities are describing the current plan as ‘shambolic’. "

MSP Katy Clark (Image: Newsquest)

Almost 8,300 people are currently behind bars in Scotland, more than exceeding the Scottish Prison Service’s target operating capacity of 8,007.

The first batch of prisoners to be released were freed on Wednesday and over the next four weeks between 500 and 550 inmates will leave custody to ease pressure on overcrowded jails.

Prisoners could be freed the day after being jailed under the plans, it emerged last night.

Officials insisted the bizarre decision to release criminals sentenced between June 13 and  July 16 the following morning was “in line with the policy intention” of cutting the prison population.

The move involves only inmates with 180 days or less to serve from a sentence of under four years being allowed out early.

Prisoners eligible for early release include those who have been convicted of serious violent crime.

Sex offenders and domestic abusers are among those exempt, however, with governors able to veto individual releases.

Critics described the decision as “deeply concerning” with the charity Victim Support Scotland predicting it would lead to reoffending.

Kate Wallace, its chief executive, said: "The last time this happened over 40 per cent had re-offended within six months. 

“Given the lack of time for appropriate planning, our fear is that these measures will create trauma, anxiety and essentially more victims. We are fully expecting that to be the case again.”

Prisoners are being released early from HMP Kilmarnock and jails across Scotland. (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Wallace added the charity would work with the government to minimise the negative impact on victims and maximise the support available.

The Scottish Prison Service insisted safety was its main priority. 

A spokesman said: “Governors have vetoed anyone they found posed an immediate risk to individuals or groups, with the help of intelligence from police and social work.

“We have worked collaboratively with partners to prepare those approaching the end of their sentence for a supported early release.

“Governors have vetoed anyone they found posed an immediate risk to individuals or groups, with the help of intelligence from police and social work.

“The safety and wellbeing of people in our care, our staff, and the communities we support continues to be a key priority throughout, with information for victims and families available on our website.”