How many prisoners were released on parole in 2000; how many of these were serving life sentences for (a) violence, (b) drug dealing offenc…

In the year ended 31 December 2000, the Parole Board recommended the early release on licence of 374 prisoners sentenced to a term of imprisonment of four years or more. Scottish Ministers were statutorily obliged to accept the board's recommendation in 344 of the cases concerned. Of the 30 cases over which Scottish Ministers exercised discretion, they accepted the Parole Board's recommendation in all but one. In view of the timing and terms of the board's recommendations, some of the prisoners concerned may not have been released until 2001.32 life prisoners, including 10 designated life prisoners whom the Parole Board directed should be released, were released on life licence. The remainder were released following a recommendation from the board and after consultation with the judiciary. 30 of those concerned had been convicted of murder, one of wilful fireraising and one of various crimes, including rape and assault and assault and robbery. Two life prisoners were recalled to custody because they faced criminal allegations involving violence which suggested that they presented an unacceptable risk to the safety of the public.