The Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2012-2013 was published today. See below for a quick overview of some of the key facts and figures.

• The number of people proceeded against by the courts fell by 7%, which is the lowest figure in ten years.
• Fines constitute 53% of penalties.
• 15% of people found guilty in a Scottish court receive a custodial sentences, which is a 3% increase since 2003-2004 The use of sentences for 6 months or less decreased by 8%.
• The average custodial sentence in 2012-2013 was 283 days, which is just over 9 months.
• 17% of those convicted received a community sentence, which is a considerable increase since 2003-2004, when 11% of people received community sentences.
• 86% (14,924) of sentences are community payback orders.

Read the Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2012-2013 here