Commenting on the latest official Scottish prison projections, Liberal Democrat Justice spokesperson Robert Brown MSP said:

"These figures show that unless we overhaul sentencing in Scotland our prisoner numbers will continue to spiral out of control.

"Rising prisoner numbers is also proof that prison doesn't work as a deterrent.

"Overcrowded prisons mean that serious offenders, who should be in jail, do not get the access to rehabilitation facilities that they need.

"Prisoners are a huge cost to the public purse. Scrapping very short term prison sentences in favour of tough community sentences would save money, reduce re-offending and help cut our prison population.”