High number of remand prisoners is concern, Justice Committee reports
Criticism over the lack of data to explain an increase in the number of prisoners in Scotland on remand pending trial has been voiced by Holyrood’s Justice Committee in a new report.
Following an inquiry, the MSPs found that the proportion of remand prisoners in Scotland is high, particularly amongst female prisoners, where remand prisoners account for almost a quarter of the total female prison population. Significantly, only 30% of the women held on remand go on to receive custodial sentences.
However, the committee also states, time spent on remand can result in disruption to an individual’s benefits, housing, employment, medical treatment, and to their wider family. In addition, time on remand is largely unproductive and access to services for these prisoners is limited.
Whilst members are strongly in favour of remand being used where there appears to be a risk to wider society, the report criticises the lack of data to explain sheriffs’ or judges’ decisions when bail is refused.
Furthermore, it is suggested, there should be greater consistency in terms of effective alternatives to remand, such as supervised bail models, and these should be sufficiently resourced.
Committee convener Margaret Mitchell MSP commented: "The need to protect society and to keep those who are a threat to the public off the streets is paramount.
"However, the number of those held on remand in our prisons now is higher than in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The committee was concerned therefore to hear that there is a lack of clear understanding as to what lies behind this rise.
"In short, we want to make sure that those held on remand are there for a good reason. This is especially important as the disruption to the life of a person sent to prison on remand, but who then does not receive a custodial sentence, can be profound."