Number released on parole in Scotland increases

The number of prisoners released on parole has continued to
increase in Scotland, according to the this year’s parole board
report. The trend was established from the implementation of the
Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993, which delayed parole
consideration until prisoners were halfway through their sentences
instead of a third of a way as previously.

Comparing 2000 with 1999, the number released on parole was up
20 per cent to 374; the number of prisoners applying increased by 6
per cent to 656, and the number of mandatory life prisoners
released after agreement of Scottish executive ministers increased
from 10 to 17.

Dr James McManus, parole board chairperson, welcomed the trend
and announced that the board had been in discussion with the
Scottish executive to promote research on the outcomes of their
decisions.

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