The report backed raising sentences for offences committed on bail

A report by the parliament's Justice 1 Committee called for the maximum penalty for offences committed while out on bail to be increased.

The MSPs also supported a controversial proposal for trials to be heard in the absence of the accused.

The report focuses on the Criminal Proceedings Reform Bill, which proposes changes to the summary justice system.

This is responsible for 96% of prosecutions for offences that do not require a jury.

The call for public safety to be a separate ground for refusal of bail was made by the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland (Acpos).

'Last resort'

The proposal has already been rejected by Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry.

However, the committee said that decision seemed to be at odds with making the criminal justice system more readily understood by the public and it called on the Scottish Executive to re-examine its stance.

The report also backed increasing the maximum sentence for offences committed on bail from three months to 12 months in summary cases.

And from two years to five years in more serious solemn cases.

Proposals to hold trials in the absence of the accused, a system which already operates in England, had been opposed by defence lawyers.

While MSPs supported the suggestion, they raised concerns over "practical problems" in conducting a fair trial.