Short-term prisoners considered for early release in Scotland to help stop virus spread

A number of short-term prisoners nearing the end of their time in custody are to be released early in Scotland, to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The plan will help prison and healthcare staff to continue to manage safely all those who remain in their care during the outbreak and follows measures taken across the world including elsewhere in the UK.

Regulations will be laid before Parliament so that release can start from 30 April. The scheme will be limited to those sentenced to 18 months or less and who on 30 April have 90 days or less left to serve.

The release of prisoners under the regulations will be subject to exclusions to ensure public protection, such as those who are imprisoned for life or with convictions for sexual offences, domestic abuse or terrorism offences.

It is estimated that around 300 to 450 prisoners who fall within this category will be considered for early release.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “Using these emergency release powers, combined with increasing those on HDC (electronic monitoring) will substantially increase the availability of single-cell accommodation across the prison estate, which in turn will help SPS contain the spread of Coronavirus in our prisons."