Released on life licence
The Parole Board determines whether it is necessary for the protection of the public that a person serving a life sentence should remain in custody. The Parole Board only considers this after a person has completed the punishment part of their sentence.
The latest data shows that during 2023/24, the cases of 352 people serving life sentences were referred to the Parole Board for consideration of release on life licence for either first or subsequent review. Of these 352 cases:
- 34 people were released on life licence
- 201 people were not granted release
- 115 cases were deferred
- 2 cases were withdrawn
More information is available within the Scottish Parole Board Annual Report 2023-24.
The latest data shows that in 2022/23 the Parole Board considered 183 people serving OLRs for possible release on licence at either first or subsequent review. Of these, 6 were released on licence. This data is available in the Scottish Parole Board Annual Report 2023-24.
You can also find more information in the Risk Management Authority’s Annual Report.