LISTEN: Shadow Justice Secretary says releasing around 100 prisoners into Fife's communities isn't without its risks

The Scottish Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary has warned a move to release around 100 prisoners into Fife's communities isn't free of risk, amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Liam Kerr said the move to grant early release for inmates across the country during the pandemic must not last any longer than necessary.

The Courier reports it has seen documents which reveals those being let go from jail are expected to be back within the Kingdom's communities in the coming weeks.

Justice Secretary from the Scottish Government Humza Yousaf said last month a 'limited' number of prisoners would be freed across the country.

Most being allowed to go are expected to be prisoners serving short sentences with less than three months to go.

But anyone who has been convicted of domestic abuse, sexual offences or terrorism or who would be subject to a supervision order will not be included for possible release.

Meanwhile, Mr Kerr adds if the government's measure provides better protection for prison officers, then he could understand it.

But speaking to Kingdom FM News, the North East Scotland MSP has expressed his concern for victims:

On the move to release some prisoners early during the lockdown, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf MSP said: "I believe this is a necessary and proportionate response to the current situation in our prisons.

"This is in the interests of maintaining security and good order in our prisons and vitally also in safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of prisoners and those working in our prisons.

"This action will help give the Scottish Prison Service sufficient capacity, including increased single-cell occupancy, to continue to maintain a safe custodial environment."