Government report – Criminals jailed for longer are less likely to reoffend

A study for the UK Ministry of Justice has shown that criminals jailed for longer are less likely to reoffend after being released than those serving shorter sentences. The report also shows that offenders released from longer sentences also go on to commit fewer crimes after being released than those serving shorter jail terms.

John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said:

"This is further proof that it was wrong for the SNP and Lib Dems vote in favour of scrapping short sentences in the last Parliament. They told us that those people serving short sentences are more likely to reoffend – a suggestion rejected by this report.

"It has been clear for some time the much-heralded 'community-based alternatives to prison' idea has severe flaws, as figures published last December showed that in almost two thirds of local authorities, community sentences aren't starting in time. So why then are we putting more strain on this system by emptying Scotland's jails?

"We want community-based sentences to be tough, fast and effective. But it is wrong to disregard prison. That is why we want to restore custodial sentences of three months or less as an option, backed up with proper rehabilitation that starts in jail.

"You don't cut crime by cutting the prison population, you cut the prison population by cutting crime. Until the SNP Government realises this, we will get nowhere."

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