Local MSP Jackie Baillie has expressed concern about SNP plans to abolish 3 month sentences which could mean that more than 43,000 offenders – including violent offenders – will avoid jail over the next 5 years.

The Criminal Justice and Licensing Act narrowly passed by the Scottish Parliament in June will create a legal presumption against custodial sentences of three months or less.

Last year 6,897 people received a custodial sentence of three months or less including offenders guilty of serious assault, indecent assault, knife crime, domestic abuse, robbery, housebreaking and common assault.

A new analysis using the annual average number of people who received a prison sentence of less than three months over the past five years (8,694) has suggested that over the next five years more than 43,000 could avoid jail – equivalent to 167 offenders per week.

Jackie said, "The plans put forward by the SNP will see violent and dangerous criminals – including those guilty of serious assault and knife crime – avoid jail altogether.

"That cannot be described as justice for the people they brutally attack.

"People who engage in violent, aggressive and dangerous behaviour should be punished. We need to send a clear message that we will not tolerate criminals wreaking havoc on our communities.

"These plans send out the wrong message and I am disappointed the SNP seem happy to stand up for the rights of criminals. I prefer to stand up for the rights of victims."