Thorley Stephenson Solicitors Edinburgh Blog

The Scottish Government has announced that it intends to extend a presumption against short prison sentences and encourage greater use of more effective community sentences to help reduce incidences of re-offending. However, it says that short jail terms should still be imposed when they are the only suitable option.

The Scottish Government has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the crime of human trafficking, highlighting that it is often taking place much closer than people realise.

Police Scotland has given an update on recent policing activity across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

The Scottish Government, as part of its new justice strategy, has announced plans for a stronger focus on preventing crime. The new vision paper, introduced by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, is based on recent research highlighting the extent that adverse incidents in childhood can have on offending in later life. Studies have found that people who experienced at least four traumatic events when young were 20 times more likely to be imprisoned, as well as 14 times more likely to have been victims of violence in the preceding year. The types of traumatic incidents cited in the study include abuse, misuse of drugs or having a relative who was imprisoned.

The UK Government has launched a consultation exercise over Codes of Practice that will help law enforcement officers confiscate valuable items and other assets acquired using the proceeds of crime.