Sheriffs using new powers over absconders
5 May 08
Longer sentences could be deterring absconding from open prisons
Inmates who abscond from the open prisons at Castle Huntly and Noranside can expect to receive longer sentences than they used to.
Perth sheriff Lindsay Foulis is quoted in today's Press & Journal as having agreed with colleagues to get tough with offenders following the increase in the maximum sentence for absconding from three months to 12.
The change took effect in December and figures for the five months to April 2008 show a total of 19 instances of absconding, down from 35 for the same period a year earlier.