Paying Back To Communities

More than 1.8 million hours of unpaid work was carried out by Scottish offenders last year.

Work included the construction of cycle paths, the removal of graffiti and refurbishing community centres.

Figures show 75% of offenders started work within seven days of leaving court.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “The figures represent the third full year of use for the community payback order – an order imposed by the courts to make offenders work hard in our communities, on both short and long term projects, as payback for their crimes - and it’s clear that the orders are doing exactly that.

"The punishment should always fit the crime, and prison is the right place for those who commit serious crimes or pose a danger to communities. However, we know that short prison sentences do not work to rehabilitate offenders or to reduce the risk of reoffending. Community sentences are more demanding, start more quickly and allow offenders to payback to the community while also addressing the underlying causes of their offending behaviour. This is a smarter, more sophisticated option and we know it works.”