A total of 477 prisoners were let out early across June and July under an emergency scheme introduced by the Scottish government.

A total of 477 prisoners were let out early across June and July under an emergency scheme introduced by the Scottish government.

The drop follows the mass early release of offenders to deal with prison overcrowding this week.

The Government said around 1,750 prisoners were freed early on Tuesday from jails across England and Wales.

Thousands of prisoners in British jails were due to be released early on Tuesday, as part of government moves to ease overcrowding. Recently released...

Thousands of prisoners in British jails were due to be released early on Tuesday, as part of government moves to ease overcrowding. Recently released...

Thousands of prisoners in British jails were due to be released early on Tuesday, as part of government moves to ease overcrowding. Recently released...

Thousands of prisoners in British jails were due to be released early on Tuesday, as part of government moves to ease overcrowding. Recently released...

The prisoners are being released from jails across England and Wales in a bid to cut overcrowding.

Latest figures come days before the government’s temporary early release scheme is due to come into effect on 10 September