Less talk, more action on justice
Sir, – In a recent edition of ‘The Northern Scot’, I was taken aback by reports of the various cases from Elgin Sheriff Court. They dealt with house damage, assault on a police officer, violent assault and damage to property. These convictions were dealt with by community paybacks or community service. There were no fines.
I have also noted cases at Elgin Sheriff Court where ‘unemployed’ persons who were drunk and
Recently, a national Sunday paper reported that in courts throughout Scotland the amount of unpaid fines was substantial, and Moray was one area that was quoted.
It was also reported that persons on community service did not fulfil the complete sentence imposed. I believe the figure was about 40%.
In America, if a person is given a community service by the courts, it is carried out immediately, whereas here it can take months before it takes effect.
To sum up, nowadays it appears that if you behave while in prison, justice decrees that your sentence will be cut. Some justice.
Come on Mr McAskill (Justice Secretary), let us have less talk and more action. – Yours etc,
Name and address supplied