Local MSP Cathy Jamieson has reacted with astonishment to the ‘naïve and dangerous’ comments of SNP MSP Willie Coffey on prison policy. 

Last week Mr Coffey attempted to used a minor disturbance at Kilmarnock Prison to justify the SNP’s policy of scrapping sentences of under six months and claimed that prisons needed to deal with only the ‘most serious offenders’.  Figures previous released by Labour show that two-thirds of those currently convicted of a knife crime would escape a custodial sentence under the SNP’s plans.

Reacting to Mr Coffey’s statement, Cathy said:

“I am astonished by Mr Coffey’s comments, they are at best naïve and at worst dangerous.  His attempt to use a minor disturbance at Kilmarnock Prison as in some way justification for the SNP’s soft-touch policy on prisoner release beggars belief.

“If a minor disturbance is a signal that we should do away with sentences under six months, what would Mr Coffey propose for a full scale riot?  The closure of our jails?

“Under SNP plans to abolish all custodial sentences under six months, two-thirds of those convicted of knife crime would escape jail, along with other violent criminals including sex offenders.

“There is of course a case for ensuing that some very minor offences do not lead to jail. This was something I acted on as Justice Minister.  I also sought to speed up the justice system, and invest in our courts.  The SNP by contrast have acted to close local courts, and have steadfastly refused to act on major justice issues such as knife crime.

“Ensuring a more efficient justice system will help lessen the pressure on our jails.  However, the SNP’s policy of scrapping short sentences is simply misguided and wrong.”