Bail crimes triple since 1999
23 Sep 05
Offending on bail rose threefold in five years, figures show
Figures have revealed that the number of bail crimes committed has tripled in the last five years.
The statistics, covering the Strathclyde and Lothian and Borders Police areas - Scotland's biggest forces - show that offences committed by accused on bail rose from 1,107 in 1999 to 3,604 in 2004.
The figures were requested by the SNP under the freedom of information laws. SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon asked why it had taken the First Minister so long to deal with this growing disregard for the law.
Mr McConnell said the Executive would be revealing major changes to the bail system next week. It would ensure that "we have a far more effective system of monitoring those who are out on bail, the conditions they have to observe and also what happens to them if they breach those conditions".
The Sentencing Commission proposed a series of measures earlier this year after being asked to investigate the bail system.