Commenting on official figures showing almost half of all offenders discharged from custody or given community sentences, re-offend again within two years, Liberal Democrat Shadow Justice Secretary Margaret Smith MSP said:

“The figures show that 88 per cent of those sentenced to Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTOs) go on to re-offend. This headline figure includes those who have not successfully completed the sentence.

“So, I have today lodged questions to the Scottish Government to ascertain how many of those who actually complete DTTOs go on to re-offend. As these are set to form an important plank of the drugs strategy, we must have confidence in their effectiveness.

“In addition to ensuring that sentencing is as effective as possible, Ministers must also take action to tackle the wider issues associated with criminals who offend again and again.

“Liberal Democrats believe that better access to education, training and employment and a commitment to assisting offenders to tackle addiction problems would reduce the re-offending rate.”