Nearly 200 violent offenders have been released from Scottish prisons as part of a government initiative to reduce overcrowding. The scheme, introduced in June this year after an emergency bill was passed, targets prisoners serving sentences of less than four years who were within 180 days of release. Of the 477 inmates released, 188 had been convicted of non-sexual violent crimes, with others convicted of dishonesty and societal offences.

Prison governors had the authority to block releases for safety reasons, resulting in 171 inmates being denied early release. Most released prisoners returned to Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Fife, and East Ayrshire.

The scheme aimed to ease prison populations that had surpassed the capacity limit, with safeguards in place to protect public safety and notify victims. The UK Government is also now implementing similar measures in England and Wales.