MSP warns against "postcode justice"
5 May 06
Use of diversionary schemes falls sharply in Perth and Kinross
The SNP's Roseanna Cunningham has warned against "postcode justice", following news that the number of people in the Perth and Kinross area taking part in a programme to keep them out of trouble has fallen.
The Scottish Executive-funded diversion from prosecution scheme allows procurator fiscals to refer minor offenders to social work and other agencies for help, rather than putting them through the courts.
In the Perth and Kinross area, numbers referred to this scheme fell from 95 in 2001-2002 to just two in 2004-05. Nationally, numbers referred to the scheme went up - from 876 to 1,064.
Ms Cunningham said that diversionary schemes had an important role to play in relieving the pressure on prisons. However, the inconsistent availability of schemes posed a real threat of postcode justice. She added that she would be looking into the matter further.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Executive said referral to the schemes depended on the procurator fiscal for the area.