McConnell pledges to get tough on Scottish bail and remand system

First Minister Jack McConnell today pledged to toughen the
Scottish bail and remand system at the Labour party conference in
Brighton, writes Clare Jerrom.

McConnell told the conference that people needed to have
confidence in the bail and remand system and a better system was
needed than was currently available.

“People must have confidence in the bail and remand
system. Yes people must be presumed innocent until proven guilty
and no we shouldn’t remand absolutely everybody for any
offence,” he said.

“I know that we can never guarantee that no-one will
offend on bail. But we can, and we must, have a better
system,” he added.

McConnell said legislation would be introduced to set out the
factors against granting bail. Conditions attached to bail would be
increased and those who breach bail conditions would receive
quadruple the maximum sentence.

“Comprehensive action to get consistency in bail
decisions, restore confidence in the system, protect our
communities and rebuild respect for the law,” he
concluded.