Smith Blasts Salmond on Community Sentencing

4/10/07

Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith has slammed the SNP Government for scrapping innovative new measures for tackling crime and reducing re-offending. Ms Smith questioned the First Minister, Alex Salmond in Parliament yesterday about the Scottish Government’s intention to cease funding for a pilot scheme for Community Reparation Orders (CROs) at the end of this year. CROs, introduced by the previous administration, require individuals charged with antisocial behaviour to work to put right the damage they have caused or give something back to the communities affected by their crimes.   

Commenting, Ms Smith said: “It is deeply concerning that the Scottish Government has decided to scrap these orders without giving them a chance and without presenting a viable alternative.  

“Taxpayers should not be forced to pay to clear up the mess left by antisocial behaviour when the offenders themselves could be making amends for their behaviour. The SNP should be supporting community sentencing which has been proven to reduce reoffending and cut crime.”