Scottish Sentencing Council

The purpose of an extended sentence is to protect the public. It combines a period in prison or detention (the custodial term) with a further set time of supervision in the community (the extension period).

✅ Friday Fact! An indeterminate sentence has no set end point such as a life sentence or Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR). Some offenders will spend longer in prison than the initial punishment part set by the judge. Some may never be released.

📢 The latest edition of the Council's newsletter, Spotlight on Sentencing Circular, is out today. Read more on our website: bit.ly/47W8qB8

At the High Court, Lord Arthurson imposed a 9 year prison sentence on Richard Smeaton. The offender was found guilty of hamesucken, assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement, permanent impairment and danger of life and attempted murder. bit.ly/4lD5O0W

A new consultation is seeking views on how the justice system can further protect women and girls from violence and abuse. Share your views now. consult.gov.scot/justice/protec…

At the High Court at Edinburgh, Judge Norman McFadyen KC sentenced Alexander Steven to an extended sentence of 18 years for the rape and assault with intent to rape of five different women in Dundee bit.ly/3NG45eD

📣 Friday Fact! An historical offence refers to an offence that was committed in the past. A person being investigated for an historical offence is a serious matter with the risk of a custodial sentence being possible.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Mulholland sentenced Kieran Abercrombie, Robert Thomson, Kenzie Gardner & Tyler Ramage to between 4 years detention and 9 years imprisonment after they pled guilty to being involved in serious organised crime. bit.ly/4s3W0PW

The Council recently hosted a webinar for legal professionals on its sentencing guidelines for rape offences. A recording of the webinar is now available to view: bit.ly/3PsgWS1

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, Sheriff Arrol KC imposed custody periods of 30 months on Douglas and Barbara Daniel. The pair had been convicted of historic abuse against children in their care. bit.ly/4syA6UC

📣Friday Fact! The first diet is a preliminary hearing and starts the process of subsequent legal proceedings. It is an important part of the prosecution process in determining the readiness of the prosecution and defence for trial.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Lord Arthurson imposed a 5-year prison sentence on Karl Matthews. The offender pled guilty to a number of firearm offences. bit.ly/3PdDHsO

The Council’s sentencing guidelines on rape offences come into effect today. The guidelines include sentencing ranges to assist judges when deciding a sentence, with all options set at long-term custodial sentences. View the guidelines in full 👉 bit.ly/3ZVI4ew

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Scott imposed a life sentence on David Campbell. Campbell had been found guilty of the murder of Brian Low. He must serve a minimum period of 19 years in prison before being eligible to apply for parole. bit.ly/46M5FSL

📣 Friday Fact Some offenders (but not sex offenders) can be released wearing an electronic tag to serve more of their sentence under supervision in the community. Further information on custodial sentences is available on our website 👉 tinyurl.com/76k7hbtr

At the High Court in Glasgow, Lord Arthurson Sentenced Lewis Budge to 6 years imprisonment after the offender pled guilty to culpable homicide bit.ly/3N2HCrP

The Council has released its latest blog focussing on sentencing firearms offences. Professor Gavin Dingwall from Northumbria University provides an insight into the research & sentencing guidance relating to firearms offences & the evolving challenges👉tinyurl.com/ra8592

📣 Friday Fact! A judge can postpone a sentence, usually for good behaviour, to a later date. If an offender stays out of trouble during that time, then the sentence will normally be lower than if they get into trouble. Find out more about sentencing 👉 tinyurl.com/456kw284

At the High Court in Kilmarnock, Lord Harrower imposed an extended sentence of 14 years on Mark McMillan. The offender was found guilty of rape & sexual assault charges against 3 women. McMillan must serve 11 years in prison, with a 3 years extension. bit.ly/4rrEm8w

The Council has published a new report on public understanding and perceptions of sentencing in Scotland. The survey, conducted by Ipsos Scotland, will help inform our work in public education and awareness of sentencing. Read the full report ➡️ bit.ly/463nigs