Michelle’s Law ‘to ban criminals from living near victims’
SERIOUS criminals would be banned from returning to the areas their victims are from under radical proposals to shake up Scotland’s ‘soft touch’ justice system.
An overhaul proposed by the Tories and the family of a murdered teenage girl includes increasing the use of ‘exclusion zones’ to which the most serious prisoners would not be allowed to relocate when they are released.
The ‘Michelle’s Law’ proposals, named after Michelle Stewart, the Ayrshire teenager who was stabbed to death by her former boyfriend, also include a requirement that the safety and welfare of victims and their families are taken into account when parole and early release are considered.
It would also allow victims and their families to give evidence when parole or early release are a possibility and for decisions to be explained to them.
The proposals have been published ahead of Michelle’s family meeting Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf today.
They say their concerns have not been taken into account following the decision to grant temporary release to killer John Wilson after only nine years in jail.
Scottish Tory justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘I am sorry the Stewarts have had to endure this ordeal but hopefully we can learn from their experiences and reform parole and early release so victims and families are given a proper voice.
‘Michelle’s Law will ensure victims have more opportunities to input meaningfully into the parole process. Our justice system must always put victims at its heart.’
Under the proposals, prison governors would be encouraged to impose location restrictions when they grant temporary release.
And the Parole Board for Scotland would be encouraged to include location restrictions as part of a released offender’s licence, which can include that they must ‘stay away’ from designated areas.
Michelle’s family was informed in June that Wilson, who murdered her in her home village of Drongan in 2008, is to be granted ‘temporary release’ after only nine years behind bars.
Lisa Stewart, sister of Michelle, said: ‘Now we face, just nine years on, the prospect of seeing my sister’s killer on the street, on the bus or in the shops. It is unbelievably painful.’
Ahead of meeting Mr Yousaf in Ayr today, Michelle’s father, Kenny, 58, said: ‘It seems everything is directed towards helping [Wilson] out but what about Michelle’s family?’
Mr Yousaf said: ‘A priority for me is to ensure the voices of victims are heard in the justice system and today’s meeting will provide an opportunity to hear this.’