Dozens of criminals freed in emergency early release back behind bars after 'reoffending'

Key Points

Dozens of criminals who were freed in the emergency early release scheme are back behind bars after ‘reoffending’
During the summer almost 500 people were released from custody in a bid to combat overcrowding in jails
A Scottish Government report predicts the prison population could exceed capacity by 1,000 inmates December

More than 50 prisoners freed in the emergency early release programme this summer have returned to custody after alleged reoffending.

During June and July this year, 477 people serving four-year sentences were released early in a bid to combat overcrowding.

It has now been revealed that 57 returned to custody with most for alleged violent crimes or crimes of dishonesty.

A dozen of the criminals were back in jail less than ten days after being released. With 34 arrested within a month of gaining their freedom.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “Working with the Scottish Government, and our partners, we delivered an Emergency Early Release (EER) programme, which prioritised the safety and wellbeing of those in our care, victims, and the communities we serve.

“We have been open and transparent throughout, publishing the number of individuals released at each stage, followed by a series of breakdowns. The latest publication on returns to custody continues this approach.

“While EER provided much needed respite to our establishments, staff, and those in our care, it was always recognised that this was a temporary measure. In recent months, our population has risen sharply once more, and remains extremely complex.

“This continues to have a significant impact on our staff and the time available to them to do the important work in supporting people, building relationships, turning lives around, reducing the risk of reoffending, and creating a safer Scotland for all.”

The Scottish Government said the early release scheme had been “necessary”.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst no level of reoffending is acceptable and we do not want any more victims of crime, the return to custody rate for those released under the scheme was substantially lower than the average reconviction rate of those serving four years or less.

“The early release scheme for some short-term prisoners was necessary so prisons could continue to function safely and effectively following a sharp and unexpected rise in the prison population.

“Public safety was paramount, with only those serving less than four years considered, with the majority eligible for release having 90 days or less left to serve. There were specific safeguards built into the process, including exclusions for those serving domestic abuse and sexual offences, and a governor power of veto for those prisoners deemed an immediate risk to a specific individual or group.”