CPO breach is total and utter humiliation for SNP

The first person to be handed a Community Payback Order has breached it.

John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said:

"When Lawrence Winters became the first recipient of a Community Payback Order, we wondered whether someone with 98 convictions from 160 separate charges was the type of person the SNP had in mind for this programme. The fact he has now breached the Order is a total and utter humiliation for the SNP.

"The fact is the SNP Government, backed by the Lib Dems, has now put in practice plans that will empty our jails and stop people who should be behind bars from doing time. Amongst those who will now be spared jail and qualify for so-called community payback are a fourth time drunk and disqualified driver, a knife carrier, someone guilty of domestic violence and a small time drug pusher – all with previous convictions.

"We want community-based sentences to be tough, fast and effective. Thanks to the Scottish Lib Dems and SNP they are not – and people like Lawrence Winters are laughing at us.

"Make no mistake, we will seek to repeal this dangerous measure in the next parliament."

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