ONE in every ten bail orders granted in courts in the Lothians is broken, new figures revealed today.
The number of bail breaches has doubled in the space of four years, with more than 1000 violations between April 2007 and March last year.
Failing to turn up to court appearances and interfering with witnesses were two of the top three offences wh
ich resulted in bail breaches, although the figures exclude re-offending while on bail.
Critics today said the number of bail violations proved a radical overhaul of the current system was needed, including tougher sentences for breaches.
But the Scottish Government said tougher sentencing for those breaching bail conditions, introduced in December 2007, meant offenders were being punished for flouting the court orders.
A total of 10,033 bail orders were granted in the force area in 2007/8, with 1,007 violations during that period. In 2003/4, 7,137 bail orders were granted in court, with 507 breaches.
The volume of bail orders issued has jumped significantly in recent years with the advent of the European Human Rights Act, which allows anyone to apply for bail regardless of the offence.
Tory Lothian MSP Gavin Brown said: "We have to question why there are so many breaches of bail.
"Are there too few checks or is it just the case that those who breach bail do not fear the consequences of doing so?
"What we also need is a greater deterrent, in the form of tougher sentencing, more rehabilitation programmes in prison and a review of the European Human Rights Act, which has left bail law in Scotland such a farce. The situation is not good enough."
Last week, the Evening News revealed that more than 1,400 criminals accused of crimes including rape, attempted murder, and sexual abuse are on the run and being hunted by police in the Lothians.
The majority of those on the hit list had warrants granted against them after failing to appear in court, with officers now charged with tracking them down.
Some of the more serious offences are believed to involve individuals who went missing after being granted bail during previous court appearances.
A police spokesman said: "When the court makes a decision to grant bail, this comes with strict conditions that require to be adhered to. If these conditions are not met entirely, Lothian and Borders Police will take a robust approach to dealing with the offender.
"Failure to adhere to bail conditions may result in an individual being taken into custody to face a future court appearance."
Today's figures were revealed in a parliamentary answer by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.
Figures released by the Scottish Government earlier this year showed that a total of 11,000 bail offences were recorded across Scotland in 2006-7.
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Breaching the terms of a bail order, for example, by not appearing in court when you are supposed to or not telling the court when you change address, is unacceptable. It not only shows contempt for the court, it also shows an unwillingness to face up to the consequences of offending.
"When this happens warrants will be issued and the subjects will be hunted down."
The full article contains 544 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
