Stevenson Highlights the Importance of Prisoner Rehabilitation

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, highlighted the importance of the rehabilitation of prisoners on release in a debate on the Prisoners (Scotland) Bill today (Thursday).

Mr Stevenson said:

“Each prisoner is an individual, and that must be considered when dealing with each one of them.”

Mr. Stevenson emphasised that parole boards need to be ready for the release of prisoners and have as much help as possible in helping to rehabilitate them, noting sex offenders as a top priority.

He added:

“Parole boards need to be well resourced, particularly when it comes to sex offenders.”

Mr Stevenson acknowledged that the bill is a good step towards further rehabilitation adding:

“This bill breathes confidence in the prison service - rehabilitation is the moral and economically correct thing to do.”