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End for short jail sentences?

Official projections show the number of prisoners could soar to 8500 within a decade.

Originally Published in The Evening Times, July 1st 2008

SHORT jail sentences in Scotland could be scrapped completely following a report into criminal justice.

Former First Minister Henry McLeish will today publish a wide-ranging review into sentencing in Scottish courts.

The SNP administration ordered the report last year amid concerns over the country's rising prison population.

Figures show 83% of jail sentences handed down are for less than six months.

It is understood the review will call for an end to the practice of sheriffs having to choose between different community disposal, such as drug treatment orders, tagging or community service.

The alternative punishments would combine all of these, so that in some cases an offender could be forced to wear a tag while undergoing drug treatment, as well as carrying out community work.

Mr McLeish has previously praised the approach of Finland and Ireland, which have a limit on sentences to adult prisons.

He will unveil the findings of the Scottish Prisons Commission, which was set up by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to look at the use of imprisonment.

Official projections show the number of prisoners could soar to 8500 within a decade.

As well as reviewing sentencing, the report will explore why so many offenders are being jailed and look at the impact of legislation scrapping automatic early release.

Although there will be long-term savings in reducing the jail population, the early efforts to expand community sentences will not come cheap, the report will warn.

In February, Mr McLeish accused all political parties of engaging in a bidding war to see who can look toughest on law and order.

But he conceded he had been guilty of ignoring the "real issues" when he was the First Minister.