Commenting on the publication of the latest Scottish Prisoner Survey for 2009, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown MSP said:

“It is perhaps not surprising that five out of ten prisoners have admitted being drunk at the time of offending but it is of huge concern that, as a proportion, that figure is up by 25% from 4 years ago.

"This poses major challenges for both prison staff and outside agencies. Alcohol is a major and rising factor which stokes up crime levels.

"Yet efforts by prison staff to tackle the causes of serious crime and impact of the alcohol problems of prisoners are being undermined by major prison overcrowding.

"The focus on and investment in effective community sentences must be increased. I also want to see effective support for the offenders who want to stop drinking - almost half according to the survey.

"If we can crack this issue and reduce abusive drinking by those tending to get into trouble with the law, there will be big gains for society generally."