JUDGE BACKS DRUG COURTS

A CANADIAN judge has called on the Scottish Executive to set up
special drug courts for addicts who steal to feed their habit.

The courts, already running in America and Canada, deal with
non-violent drug offenders and use rehabilitation instead of prison as
punishment. Judge Paul Bentley told a conference at the National
Police College in Tulliallan, Clackmannanshire, that they had already
been a success.

He added: "We are very encouraged. Our first year assessment showed
three quarters of those in the programme have not committed another
crime, are drug free and have found a stable home and full-time job.

"I think it would an option the Scottish Executive might want to
consider."