The Justice Committee has voted to reject proposals in the  Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill for short custodial sentences after a split among committee members.

A statement from the Scottish Government confirms that the committee gave "qualified support to the general principles" of the bill, but required to put the proposal for a presumption against short periods of imprisonment to the vote, where it was rejected.

"This was a difficult piece of work, due to the breadth and complexity of issues covered by the Bill," said convener Bill Aitken MSP.

"It is true that much of the Bill represents a welcome update and clarification of the law both in the area of criminal justice and in licensing. For example, if the new Community Payback Orders are adequately resourced, they should simplify and strengthen the current range of community disposals."

The committee said that the proposed creation of a Scottish Sentencing Council, the provisions on serious organised crime and disclosure and defence statements "raise as many questions as are answered."