Give us justice for Michelle
The family of a teenager slain by her evil ex-boyfriend have accused the Scottish Government of failing to improve victims’ rights.
The campaign to improve victims’ rights, known as Michelle’s Law, was launched in August 2018 by Michelle Stewart’s family after her murderer, John Wilson, was approved for temporary release having only served nine years of a 12 year sentence.
Michelle’s Law continues to campaign for specific reforms of the justice system to give victims a greater say into the parole and temporary release decision making.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf previously guaranteed “there will be some concrete action”, but Michelle’s sister Lisa, of Ayr, has questioned when Mr Yousaf will “actually start implementing change”.
Lisa said: “We are sad that despite Humza Yousaf ’s promises of concrete action nothing has been done.
“He has been looking at it all for two years. When will he actually start implementing change?”
Blade killer Wilson is up for parole in November and Lisa thinks his safety should also be considered if he is to be released.
She added: “For John Wilson to be released back into the local community is not only a kick in the face to us, but it speaks volumes about the current status of victims in the eyes of the SNP government.
“Mr Yousaf has been told countless times the safety of John Wilson should be considered if they won’t consider ours.”
Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary, said: “The SNP government cannot simply make important promises to all victims and the Stewart family and then walk away.
“Michelle’s Law made three very important requests – requests that would dramatically improve the experience of traumatised victims in our justice system.
“Humza Yousaf gave the Scottish Parliament and Michelle Stewart’s family ‘absolute assurances’ and ‘guarantees’ of ‘concrete action’ – yet nothing has improved.
“Victims and their families are fed up of being ignored.
“Victims and their families have been inexcusably failed by this SNP government.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “It is simply not true to say no progress has been made, and we are absolutely clear that addressing the needs of victims should be at the heart of the justice system.
“We are continuing to take a range of measures to support victims of crime, including the work led by the victims taskforce, investing £18.7 million in 2020/2021 to support victims of crime, and consulting on plans to give more victims of serious crimes the right to explain to courts how it has impacted on them.
“We have also legislated to put in place improved monitoring capabilities with the potential to change how exclusion zones are monitored.
“Progress has understandably stalled due to COVID-19 – including on development of GPS and meetings with the Transforming Parole Implementation Group – however we remain absolutely committed to ensuring these improvements are part of the justice system. We are also now in a position to commence work and have started the rewrite of the Parole Board rules.”