Figures suggest lottery of sheriff sentences
9 Sep 05
Wide variations in average punishments in different courts
Figures published by the Scottish Executive suggest that big discrepancies exist in sentencing practice between the different sheriff courts in Scotland.
The study, "Costs, Sentencing Profiles and the Criminal Justice System", discloses that in 2003 the highest fines on average were imposed at Stornoway Sheriff Court, where £529 was the average figure. At the other end of the scale, the average in Rothesay was only £182.
However it was Kirkcaldy where the heaviest prison sentences were imposed, at an average of 123 days, whereas in Campbeltown the average was only 65 days.
Edinburgh and Glasgow were close together with average custodial disposals of 100 days, but fines in Edinburgh averaged £355 compared with £234 in Glasgow.
The figures drew a mixed reaction, with some commentators calling for a more in-depth study to see whether reasons existed that could justify the variations, others recognising that sheriffs had to reflect the views of local communities, and others again calling for sheriffs to be given more information on punishments imposed in similar cases.
The Sentencing Commission is expected to publish an interim report on consistency of punishment by the end of March 2006.