Families of victims ‘will have a say on parole of offenders’
GRIEVING families and victims of crime will be given the chance to make a personal plea to the Parole Board before prisoners are released under plans for a radical shake-up of Scotland’s ‘soft touch’ justice system.
The proposals would also see serious offenders banned from returning to their victims’ home areas.
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf disclosed the plans in a letter to the family of a murdered teenage girl who have been leading a campaign for a dramatic overhaul of the parole system.
Michelle Stewart was stabbed to death by her former boyfriend in her native Drongan, Ayrshire, in 2008.
In June her family found out that John Wilson is to be granted ‘temporary release’ after only nine years behind bars.
They have called for the implementation of Michelle’s Law, which would set out three areas to be overhauled.
The changes would allow victims and their families to give evidence when parole or early release are a possibility; enable decisions to be explained to them; and see an increased use of exclusion zones which the most serious prisoners could not move into on their release.
The safety and welfare of victims and families would also be examined when parole and early release are considered.
Last week the Stewarts received the letter from Mr Yousaf setting out his plans for the consultation, to be launched by the end of the year.
In it the minister said the proposals will consider ‘how we can strengthen the voice of victims and their families’.
He committed to including the ‘three areas’ the Stewart family want to see overhauled.
Mr Yousaf confirmed the consultation will include talks on ‘attendance at hearings’, ‘geographical restrictions on the parolee’ and ‘increasing transparency of parole process’.
Miss Stewart’s family cautiously welcomed the Scottish Government plans to include the three main points of Michelle’s Law but claimed things are moving too slowly.
Her father Kenneth said: ‘The letter is just a sugar coating, they’re not doing anything quickly.
‘I will give Mr Yousaf the benefit of the doubt. He has said to my face that he will look at it, and I want to believe him.’
Miss Stewart’s sister, Lisa, said the proposals ‘must also apply to temporary release’.
The Scottish Tories have been working with the Stewart family to secure an overhaul of Scotland’s soft-touch justice.
Justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘The consultation on parole is a good start, but it must be followed by action. Michelle’s Law is about putting victims at the centre of the justice system, not criminals.
‘The Scottish Conservatives will be watching to ensure the SNP implements Michelle’s Law in its entirety.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘We will ensure victims and their families have better information and greater support ahead of prison release arrangements.’
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