In the Guardian today:

Criminals in England and Wales spared jail sentences because of overcrowding Judges and magistrates told to consider high prison population opting for suspended sentences instead of immediate jail terms

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/28/criminals-in-england-and-wales-spared-jail-sentences-because-of-overcrowding

In the Scotsman in October 2020:

A leaked document urges the abolition of jail sentences of 12 months or less.

Mr Ross said: “The SNP Government could end up meddling with the independence of the judiciary by removing their discretion to impose appropriate sentences. This would be a tawdry betrayal of victims while allowing dangerous and violent offenders to escape meaningful punishment.”

https://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/leaked-report-calls-for-community-service-for-scots-criminals-to-be-cancelled-3014595