Poll says Scots don't back early release

SCOTS are "sick and tired" of the SNP's soft touch on justice after new polling suggested an overwhelming number are opposed to the early release of prisoners.

- By Douglas Dickie

The Nats have given the green light for almost 400 cons to be released into the community having served just 40% of their sentence in the coming months.

It follows the release of 477 last year. But a new survey suggests just 28% of Scots are in favour of the policy, which was introduced to alleviate pressure on the prison population.