A pilot project designed to speed up the punishment of low level offenders sentenced to a Community Payback Order has seen encouraging results during its first nine months, with 92% of offenders on the pilot sent out to pay back the community within 24 hours, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has said.
Early initial results also show that 98% are starting their manual labour within seven days.
The ‘one stop shop’ system involved community service and social work staff being housed directly opposite Glasgow Sheriff Court, meaning offenders can be transferred immediately from the dock down to be assessed, allocated, and then taken directly to their first community payback work squad placement.
The pilot is being funded by the Scottish Government in response to a determination by Ministers to speed up the current system to ensure low level offenders are sent out to repay their dues to the community swiftly.
A full evaluation will take place at the end of the pilot period, but if successful, the model could be replicated elsewhere in Scotland.
The Lord Advocate is to refer five cases to the UK Supreme Court for a further ruling as to the scope of the Cadder v HMA decision which was handed down by last October by the Supreme Court. Contact expert criminal defence solicitors in Edinburgh on 0131 557 9151.
New clauses have been added to the latest draft of the Scotland Bill which may permit Scottish criminal appeals to be heard in the UK Supreme Court. Contact 0131 557 9151 for a free initial criminal law consultation.
New figures show that there has been a significant increase in recent years in the number of women in Scottish prisons. Contact McSporrans criminal lawyers for a free initial consultation on 0131 557 9151.
Drink driving case clarifies the scope of Cadder. Contact 0131 557 9151 for a free initial criminal law consultation.
On 22 March 2011, the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Bill passed its third and final stage through the Scottish Parliament. Contact McSporrans criminal lawyers for a free initial consultation on 0131 557 9151.
A new partnership has been set up to try to prevent crimes against animals in Fife in Scotland. Contact McSporrans today on 0131 225 8813 for free initial advice.
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