Rise in remand prisoner numbers criticised

The Scottish Government is under fire for the rising number of unconvicted prisoners held on remand, as new figures show the prison population increasing.

The 11% rise in numbers on remand prompted offenders' group Sacro to say: "The increasing number of prisoners on remand is a major factor in such a high overall figure."

A general 4% rise in the prisoner population has prompted a call from the Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill for renewed efforts to turn the tide.

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