Written Question · S1W-13036 · Session 1
How many of the 26 transferred life prisoners in Scotland are categorised as (a) unrestricted in terms of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, (…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many of the 26 transferred life prisoners in Scotland are categorised as (a) unrestricted in terms of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, (b) unrestricted and transferred from jurisdictions where the government is not a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights, (c) restricted in terms of the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997, (d) restricted and transferred from jurisdictions where the government is not a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The answer
Five life prisoners were transferred on an unrestricted basis and seven on a restricted basis under the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997. 13 life prisoners were transferred on a permanent basis under section 26(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1961, which preceded the Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 and one life prisoner was transferred following a court-martial in Berlin, Germany. The Crime (Sentences) Act 1997 and its predecessor only provides for the transfer of prisoners within the UK, therefore the answer to parts (b) and (d) is none.In addition there are three transferred life prisoners who are at present detained as restricted patients in the State Hospital.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-13036 by reference.