Commenting on the Scottish Parliament’s vote to extend its presumption against the use of custodial sentences of 12 months or less, Peter Dawson, director of the Prison Reform Trust said:

“The Scottish Parliament’s decision to extend its presumption against short prison sentences is not only extremely welcome, it follows the evidence. We know that short spells behind bars do little to rehabilitate, with higher rates of reoffending than more effective community alternatives, and many people leaving prison in a worse situation than when they first entered. With Conservative ministers considering the introduction of similar measures in England and Wales, there is an emerging consensus across parties and nations. It’s time to follow Scotland’s lead.”