Written Question · S2W-31609 · Session 2
How many of those convicted of sexual offences have absconded while (a) on parole, (b) on early release and (c) serving a suspended sentenc…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive how many of those convicted of sexual offences have absconded while (a) on parole, (b) on early release and (c) serving a suspended sentence in each of the last seven years, broken down by police force area.
The answer
The number of offenders convictedof sexual offences who have been released on licence, and have subsequently hadtheir licence revoked but have not yet been returned to custody over the lastseven years are:
Year
| Number
| Constabulary
2000
| 0
|
2001
| 0
|
2002
| 1
| Tayside
2003
| 1
| Tayside
2004
| 2
| Strathclyde
Northern
2005
| 1
| Strathclyde
2006
| 0
|
2007 (to date)
| 1
| Lothian and Borders
In Scotland offendersare released subject to the provisions of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings(Scotland) Act 1993. Offenders sentenced to four years or more are eligible to bereleased on licence at the direction of the Parole Board after serving one halfof the sentence and will be released on licence at the two thirds stage of sentence.They are subject to supervision in the community by the relevant local authority.Should an offender breach the conditions of theirlicence in the community, they are liable to have their licence revoked and be returnedto custody. Sex offenders sentenced to between six months and up to four years areautomatically released on licence at the halfway point of their sentence.
Scottish courts do not have powersto suspend sentences.
The Custodial Sentences and Weapons(Scotland) Bill currently before Parliament makes provision for all offenders sentencedto 15 days or more to be subject to licence conditions for a minimum of 25% of theirsentence.
Year
| Number
| Constabulary
2000
| 0
|
2001
| 0
|
2002
| 1
| Tayside
2003
| 1
| Tayside
2004
| 2
| Strathclyde
Northern
2005
| 1
| Strathclyde
2006
| 0
|
2007 (to date)
| 1
| Lothian and Borders
In Scotland offendersare released subject to the provisions of the Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings(Scotland) Act 1993. Offenders sentenced to four years or more are eligible to bereleased on licence at the direction of the Parole Board after serving one halfof the sentence and will be released on licence at the two thirds stage of sentence.They are subject to supervision in the community by the relevant local authority.Should an offender breach the conditions of theirlicence in the community, they are liable to have their licence revoked and be returnedto custody. Sex offenders sentenced to between six months and up to four years areautomatically released on licence at the halfway point of their sentence.
Scottish courts do not have powersto suspend sentences.
The Custodial Sentences and Weapons(Scotland) Bill currently before Parliament makes provision for all offenders sentencedto 15 days or more to be subject to licence conditions for a minimum of 25% of theirsentence.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S2W-31609 by reference.