1,000 more lags for early release

THE Scottish Government last night won its bid to release more than 1,000 criminals from prison early.

- BY DAVID WALKER Scottish Politics Reporter

Justice Secretary Angela Constance is using emergency legislation for the second time in two years due to jails becoming overcrowded.

Backed by the SNP and Scottish Greens, the measure will see an estimated 1,000 lags freed from their sentences within the next six months.