Automatic early release ends for long term prisoners

The system of automatic early release for longer term prisoners in Scotland after serving two thirds of their sentence has ended from today (1 February).

The new law means that those serving four years or more will be released six months from the end of their sentence, to ensure a mandatory minimum period of licence under supervision. Prisoners will still be able to apply to the Parole Board for Scotland for consideration for release after serving half their sentence.

However those subject to additional court-imposed supervision, such as an extended sentence, will not receive automatic early release at any point in their custodial sentence.

New powers of increased flexibility on release dates also come into force, meaning release can be brought forward as a discretionary decision by one or two days for all prisoners serving 15 days or more, to help reduce reoffending by ensuring people leaving custody can access support services immediately.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: "This law is part of our aim to achieve a more balanced justice system in Scotland, protecting our communities from serious offenders while those at the lower of the scale receive community-based alternatives with targeted support to address the underlying causes of their offending behaviour.”