The bill aims to speed up the justice system

Holyrood backed a series of measures aimed at speeding up the justice system and toughening up the bail process.

The Criminal Proceedings Reform Bill means sheriffs must always consider public safety when deciding whether to grant an accused person bail.

Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont said the changes would lead to "safer daily lives for communities across Scotland".

The bill also introduces harder penalties for those who breach their bail conditions.

Effective sentences

In addition, it sets out that bail should only be granted in "exceptional circumstances" if someone is accused of committing a serious violent, sexual or drugs offence and has a prior record for such behaviour.

The bill also sets out to speed up the justice system and provide more effective sentences.

It will strengthen the sentencing powers of sheriffs and allow trials to proceed in the absence of the accused.

The legislation introduces new fine enforcement officers with the power to arrest an offender's earnings if they can afford to pay their fines, but refuse to do so.

We have tackled the justice agenda from all angles Johann Lamont Deputy justice minister

District courts, currently run by local authorities, will be brought under the management of the Scottish Court Service.

Ms Lamont told MSPs the Scottish Executive had a strong record on tackling crime.

She said: "We have tackled the justice agenda from all angles, addressing the causes of crime, the effects of crime and just as importantly the systems that need to be in place to deal with crime and make Scotland safer."

But she added that reforming the summary justice system - which deals with offenders whose cases do not need to be tried before a jury - was vital.

Ms Lamont explained: "The vast majority of offenders first come into contact with the system at this level, so a quick and effective response to offending can stop a life of crime in its tracks."

Widely welcomed

And she said the reforms, which were unanimously agreed by MSPs, would "ensure that public safety and the interests of the law abiding majority are put first".

Scottish National Party deputy justice spokesman Stewart Stevenson said that if the new measures improved the bail system, they would be widely welcomed.