Automatic early release brought to an end

New laws ending the current system of automatic early release from prison for the most serious offenders have come in to effect today.

The change means no long-term prisoner in Scotland will be eligible for automatic release after two thirds of their sentence, and there will now be a mandatory period of supervision for the most serious offenders.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “I am delighted that from today long-term prisoners who pose an unacceptable risk to public safety will now serve more of their sentence in custody. This is a huge step in the right direction to end a system introduced by the then-UK Government in 1993.

“Recorded crime is at its lowest level in 41 years, but public safety is still our key priority. This law is proof of our commitment to keep communities safe and reduce the likelihood of prisoners reoffending.”

He added: “We listened to feedback on the Bill throughout the process and as a result we increased the numbers of prisoners no longer eligible for automatic early release and also ensured that rehabilitation of offenders is key to the process by ensuring mandatory supervision.

“Prison will always be the right place for serious and dangerous offenders. This law is part of our aim to achieve a more balanced justice system in Scotland, protecting our communities from serious offenders while those at the lower of the scale receive community-based alternatives with targeted support to address the underlying causes of their offending behaviour.”