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09/09/2008
Justice Secretary Suggests Offenders Get Building Work
Scottish Labour's Community Safety Spokesman has accused the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill of a "headline grabbing stunt" after he suggested offenders may get building work.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme, Mr MacAskill said measures such as community based sentences for low level offenders could be used to help address labour market shortages and reduce the prison population, which is at an all-time high.
"We have a labour shortage and we also have major construction problems at a time when we have record numbers in our prisons.
"We, as a government, want to change the 'bed and board' culture that exists,” he said.
"People who commit less serious offences compound the damage they've done to communities by having us, as taxpayers, provide them with three square meals and free bed and board.
"We want them to repay, through the sweat of their brow, for the damage they have done to our communities and hopefully, start contributing through their taxes rather than being a drain on ours."
Speaking to the BBC, Paul Martin, Scottish Labour's community safety spokesman, said the idea insults the construction industry which should not be a dumping ground for people serving time.
"Victims of crime want offenders to serve their sentence - that means being in prison and not being rewarded with employment,” he said.
"I also think offenders should not be given jobs over law-abiding members of the public.
"Community safety is of paramount concern and offenders should be incarcerated and not given jobs."
(GK/KMcA)
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme, Mr MacAskill said measures such as community based sentences for low level offenders could be used to help address labour market shortages and reduce the prison population, which is at an all-time high.
"We have a labour shortage and we also have major construction problems at a time when we have record numbers in our prisons.
"We, as a government, want to change the 'bed and board' culture that exists,” he said.
"People who commit less serious offences compound the damage they've done to communities by having us, as taxpayers, provide them with three square meals and free bed and board.
"We want them to repay, through the sweat of their brow, for the damage they have done to our communities and hopefully, start contributing through their taxes rather than being a drain on ours."
Speaking to the BBC, Paul Martin, Scottish Labour's community safety spokesman, said the idea insults the construction industry which should not be a dumping ground for people serving time.
"Victims of crime want offenders to serve their sentence - that means being in prison and not being rewarded with employment,” he said.
"I also think offenders should not be given jobs over law-abiding members of the public.
"Community safety is of paramount concern and offenders should be incarcerated and not given jobs."
(GK/KMcA)
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16 December 2003
Prison Service accused of 'racial discrimination'
The Prison Service has been accused of racial discrimination, according to the findings of a Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) investigation published today. The CRE probe uncovered "evidence leading to the finding of unlawful racial discrimination" and also catalogues 14 areas of failure uncovered by the investigation.
Prison Service accused of 'racial discrimination'
The Prison Service has been accused of racial discrimination, according to the findings of a Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) investigation published today. The CRE probe uncovered "evidence leading to the finding of unlawful racial discrimination" and also catalogues 14 areas of failure uncovered by the investigation.
25 May 2005
Licenced jail release returns treble
The number of offenders being recalled to prison after being released on licence in the community has more than trebled in the last five years and is set to increase further according to a report published today by the Prison Reform Trust.
Licenced jail release returns treble
The number of offenders being recalled to prison after being released on licence in the community has more than trebled in the last five years and is set to increase further according to a report published today by the Prison Reform Trust.
03 April 2003
Community scheme set to rehabilitate young offenders
In a move which will alleviate pressure on prison governors, the Home Office is set to introduce a new scheme which will steer young offenders away from the rising jail populations.
Community scheme set to rehabilitate young offenders
In a move which will alleviate pressure on prison governors, the Home Office is set to introduce a new scheme which will steer young offenders away from the rising jail populations.
20 July 2012
Sex Offenders Lie Detector Scheme 'To Be Rolled Out'
Following a successful pilot scheme mandatory polygraph testing for sex offenders is set to be rolled out across England and Wales, ministers say. The scheme found offenders who were tested were more honest and gave better information, which meant they were managed more effectively.
Sex Offenders Lie Detector Scheme 'To Be Rolled Out'
Following a successful pilot scheme mandatory polygraph testing for sex offenders is set to be rolled out across England and Wales, ministers say. The scheme found offenders who were tested were more honest and gave better information, which meant they were managed more effectively.
02 March 2012
Three Jailed After Death Of Television Executive
Three people have been jailed today after television executive Gagandip Singh was attacked and killed in February last year. They include 20-year-old female medical student Mundhill Mundill Kaur Mahil of Gladstone Place, Brighton. She had been convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and was given six years in a Youth Offenders Institute.
Three Jailed After Death Of Television Executive
Three people have been jailed today after television executive Gagandip Singh was attacked and killed in February last year. They include 20-year-old female medical student Mundhill Mundill Kaur Mahil of Gladstone Place, Brighton. She had been convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and was given six years in a Youth Offenders Institute.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
