Automatic early release

A person is eligible for automatic early release at either the 2/3 stage of their sentence (if sentenced before February 2016) or 6 months before the end of their sentence (if sentenced after February 2016). At this point, Scottish Ministers are statutorily required to release the person into the community on licence.

During 2024/25, 463 cases were eligible for release at the first review for release, and 499 at subsequent reviews. Of these, the Parole Board recommended that 63 people be released on parole on their first review (26 from casework meetings and 37 from oral hearings), and 60 people be released on parole on their subsequent review (20 from casework meetings and 40 from oral hearings).

More information is available within the Scottish Parole Board Annual Report 2024-25 here.