A THINK-TANK has called for a ban on prison sentences of six months or less in Scotland.

Reform Scotland said only an outright ban on short sentences could bring about change in the justice system.

It said the ban should extend to a year if automatic early release for short sentences remains in place.

The think-tank pointed out that, despite a presumption in the Scottish courts against sentences of three months or less imposed in 2010, nearly 30 per cent of all prison terms in 2015-16 fell into that category.

In addition, it said automatic early release meant 65 per cent of offenders served three months or less.

Before publication of a prison reform report, research director Alison Payne said the prison service had already said there were “limited opportunities for rehabilitation” during short sentences.

She added: “The disruption of a short sentence, including loss of income and employment, and problems with childcare and family relationships, often makes the sentences disproportionate to the crime.

“A presumption against short sentences is well meaning but... if we don’t want short sentences then we have to prohibit them.”

The Government said prison should be for people whose offences are so serious that no other form of punishment will do.