Thugs convicted of attacking partners and police officers are being allowed to knit and build bird boxes at home as part of their punishments – due to coronavirus.
Criminals – including those who have hoarded child abuse images – have been ordered to carry out unpaid work as part of Community Payback Orders.
But the work has been suspended because of the virus pandemic.
Those convicted of crimes against key workers are being allowed to do their unpaid work at home in council areas including Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire.
Completing online courses and phone calls with counsellors and employability mentors are also being counted towards unpaid work.
Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Rhoda Grant said it was important punishments are “in line with – and proportionate to – the crime committed”.
A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said: “Service users are issued with craft and joinery packs, with the completed products provided to local charities.”
A Scottish Government spokesman added: “Scotland’s approach to evidence-based reform of sentencing and offender management has helped reduce reoffending rates to their lowest on record, contributing to less crime, fewer victims and a safer Scotland.”
