Tagging reform is too late for some

THE senseless killing of dad-of-thee Craig McClelland was an appalling tragedy.

For some, the decision to change the law on tagging violent offenders can be seen as a glimmer of positivity.

But in truth, no good has come from Craig’s death.

A family was destroyed. Children were left without their dad.

The killer was able to roam the streets with an electronic tag when any sensible person could see he should not have had such a chance.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has signalled a change which ensures knife thugs and organised criminals will no longer be eligible for home detention curfew.

It’s a comfort to know low-lifes like James Wright won’t be able to strike again.

Yousaf confirmed his decision while accepting all 37 recommendations by HM Inspectorate of Prisons and HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland.

Astonishingly, as of June 29, 44 offenders released from prison on curfew were “unlawfully at large”.

The majority were not even recorded as unlawfully at large on police systems.

The justice system likes to see these changes as evidence “lessons have been learned”.

For Craig’s family and friends, nothing will turn back the clock.

He was going about his life. Wright was the problem and shouldn’t have been there at all.

Craig’s family shouldn’t have had to campaign “tenaciously” for this change.

The decision is welcome, but Government, police and prison chiefs must ensure no one slips through the net again.