Nearly 30,000 criminals breached community sentences in past 11 years

Figures obtained by the Scottish Conservatives via a freedom of information request show that between 2012-13 and 2023-24, 29,544 community payback orders were terminated because of violations by the offender.

Of those breaches, 8,078 resulted in the offender being handed another community sentence as punishment, while just 7,956 led to a custodial sentence being imposed. 

Most of the remaining breaches of CPOs resulted in ‘other penalties’ or ‘other outcomes’ – but it is not clear what these entail.

Shadow minister for victims Sharon Dowey said: “Given the increased use of community payback orders, the very least the public expect is for offenders to carry out the sentence imposed on them.

“Where there has been a breach, offenders should be properly punished rather than let off the hook. It defies belief that so many are simply having another CPO issued.

“It sends a clear message to criminals that there are no consequences for failing to pay their dues, which makes a mockery of the justice system.”