Big changes proposed to reduce Scotland's prison population (opens original article in a new tab)

The Scottish government has proposed changes to reduce prison overcrowding, including altering sentencing guidelines and expanding early release programs, as the prison population reaches record levels and exceeds capacity.

• Scottish government proposes changes to reduce prison population by altering sentencing guidelines and early release policies.
• Prison population reached 8,515 on 19 June, exceeding capacity and projected to rise to 9,500 in the next decade without measures.
• Over 1,700 prisoners are awaiting trial, with court delays and complex cases contributing to the backlog.