Brown calls for sentencing reform

10.31.40am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Sep 2008

Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown has criticised current sentencing options and described the work to reform sentencing as one of the most significant projects for a generation.

Commenting after a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Brown said:

“Imprisoning non-dangerous criminals for short periods costs a fortune and it doesn’t work.

“Reform of our penal system to make it work for the community, to cut crime and to safeguard the public is one of the most significant projects for a generation.

“Central to that is slashing ineffective short term prison sentences, releasing resources for what is proven to work. A different kind of sentencing, backed up with better rehabilitation and more investment in tackling the underlying causes of crime, and in diverting young people likely to offend.”