Tighter rules on bail provision

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Measures aimed at tightening up the system of bail provision have come into force in the Scottish courts.

Under the changes, the courts must take public safety into account when deciding on bail for an accused.

Those accused of serious violent, sexual or drugs offences and with previous convictions will only secure bail in exceptional circumstances.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has promised more transparency and "tougher action" against those who breach bail.

From now on, courts must always give reasons for decisions on bail and in many cases there will be an increase in maximum penalties for breaching conditions from three months' imprisonment to 12 months.

Stiffer penalties from two years to five years now exist for breaches in more serious cases.

An accused who breaches their bail will have no excuse - the effect of their bail conditions will have been explained to them when granted bail Kenny MacAskill,Justice Secretary

Mr MacAskill said: "Individual decisions on whether to give bail in a particular case are, quite rightly, taken by the judiciary based on the circumstances of the case.

"However I'm concerned that public confidence in the framework within which courts make bail decisions has been eroded in recent years.

"As justice secretary that is simply unacceptable."

The measures have been introduced under the Criminal Proceedings (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007, which was passed earlier this year.

Mr MacAskill said: "In the past the public, police and media have all expressed concerns that those accused of a crime who offend on bail or fail to turn up at court are not dealt with robustly. That is about to change.

"An accused who breaches their bail will have no excuse - the effect of their bail conditions will have been explained to them when granted bail, including the penalties available if they breach their conditions."