A WEST of Scotland MSP has called for the Scottish Government to “urgently” review Community Payback Order (CPO) sentencing, after it emerged rapists and child sex offenders are among those spared jail under the policy.

Jamie Greene MSP urged Holyrood to rethink the controversial approach, which is being used increasingly as an alternative to custodial sentences.

It was reported last week that people convicted of rape, child rape and sexual assault had received punishments such as litter-picking, painting and decorating, and snow clearing.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, at First Minister’s Questions last week, acknowledged that rape was one of the most “heinous” crimes that could be committed and should be punished “severely”. Mr Greene said she stopped short of agreeing to an audit or a review of sentencing guidelines.

She said some review work had been done in 2015 on CPOs.

Scottish Conservative MSP Mr Greene, said:“Community sentencing does have a place in our justice system – but not for dealing with crimes like rape. It is clear this method of punishment is being increasingly used for violent and sexual crimes and, as a result, dangerous offenders are being handed sentences which are an insult to their victims.

“That’s why we need to urgently review this system and sentencing guidelines."