Early release plan to empty crowded prisons

SNP move to cut jail time by a third

- CHRIS MCCALL

LONG-TERM prisoners could be released after serving just two-thirds of their jail sentence, it has been revealed.

The Scottish Government has been forced to consider early release due to chronic overcrowding in the crumbling jail system.

Scotland locks up more people per head of population than almost every other country in Europe despite repeated pledges to reduce numbers.

Around 500 inmates on short-term sentences are already set for early release.

But a consultation launched yesterday could see even more non-violent and nonsexual cons get out under licence after serving two-thirds of their sentence.