THE average length of a prison sentence has reached its highest level in a decade.
According to figures, the average stretch behind bars in 2011/12 was more than nine months, at 284 days, one week longer than the previous year and up from 252 days in 2002/03.
For those convicted of handling an offensive weapon, the average sentence increased for the seventh year in a row, to 311 days, up from 112 days in 2002/03.
The Scottish Government pointed to the average length of sentence and welcomed the "tougher stance" being taken by courts.
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