S5W-07968: In light of the briefing paper, Why focus on reducing women's imprisonment in Scotland?, by the Prison Reform Trust, which notes that, in 2…

The question

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the briefing paper, Why focus on reducing women's imprisonment in Scotland?, by the Prison Reform Trust, which notes that, in 2014-15, 79% of prison sentences imposed on women were for low-level offences, what the rate (a) was in each year between 2010 and 2014 and (b) for men was in each year for these offences since 2010.

The answer

Answered by Michael Matheson on 22 Mar 2017 · 13 days after it was lodged, on time

As published in the Scottish Government report "International Review of Custodial Models for Women" 79% of prison sentences imposed on women in 2013-14 were for low-level offences. This comprises crimes of dishonesty, common assault, breach of the peace and crimes of public justice (e.g. bail offences). The statistics requested, in line with this definition, are presented in the following table.
Custodial sentences by gender, 2009-10 to 2015-16

2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16

All custodial sentences for low level offences 1

Male Person
9,467
9,346
9,634
9,165
8,805
8,935
8,689
Female Person
930
925
1,034
999
956
1,052
941

All custodial sentences

Male Person
14,522
14,018
14,582
13,499
12,959
12,742
12,548
Female Person
1,280
1,302
1,368
1,290
1,213
1,293
1,187

Percentage low level offences

Male Person
65%
67%
66%
68%
68%
70%
69%
Female Person
73%
71%
76%
77%
79%
81%
79%
Source: Criminal Proceedings database
1
- Comprises crimes of dishonesty, common assault, breach of the peace and crimes of public justice (e.g. bail offences)

In the Official Report

No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-07968 by reference.