Cathy Jamieson: Tough line on crime

Scotland is set to end the early release of prisoners when the Edinburgh executive's sentencing commission reports before the end of this year.

The Scotland on Sunday newspaper reported that Holyrood justice minister Cathy Jamieson will back the report's widely expected recommendation that the automatic halving of offenders' jail terms should end.

First minister Jack McConnell has already signalled his support for the move and commission sources confirmed over the weekend that policy will be adopted.

"We have still to finalise the report, but it is highly likely to recommend the scrapping of early release," the paper was told.

The executive set up the review amid concern that Scotland has one of the highest re-offending rates in Europe.

The commission is expected to conclude that the current stance undermines punishments set down by the courts and public confidence in the criminal justice system.

South of the border the Conservatives have also hit out at early releases in England and Jamieson will mark up the Labour administrations tough line on crime in its second term in office.

However SNP shadow justice minister Kenny MacAskill said the plans were being wrongly rushed through.

"Any early release strategy must be based on rehabilitation of prisoners, reform and good behaviour," he said.

"But rather than this piecemeal approach, such changes must to be part of an overall root and branch review of our justice system. This should not only cover shorter sentences, but those convicted of serious crime as well. This review does not do that.

"The executive must address both crime and the causes of crime. We need a justice strategy that looks at not only who goes to prison, but what do they do to rehabilitate when inside, and what must happen to secure early release when this is appropriate.

"If the Labour led executive legislate on this issue in haste, they will repent at leisure."