A strong case for new legislation

Crime of any sort is abhorrent, but when it specifically targets the most vulnerable members of society it is particularly painful to bear. All too often, we are compelled to report instances where heartless criminals have robbed elderly victims of money or property, often after conning their way into their homes.

On other occasions, they prey on the fears of elderly people, perhaps convincing them work needs to be carried out in a callous bid to part them from their hard-earned savings.

Against such a backdrop one can readily understand the calls from Action on Elder Abuse Scotland, who are today asking that the abuse of vulnerable people be made a statutory aggravating offence in law.

It is estimated around 100,000 older people in Scotland suffer some form of abuse every year and it appears that fresh legislation may well be on the cards, with Scotland being urged to “lead the way”.

Any justice system must seek to ensure that the punishment fits the crime, and a one size fits all approach to sentencing is hardly likely to reflect this.

To its credit, the Scottish Government has appointed the first minister for older people in the UK.

With a rapidly ageing population, such a position makes perfect sense.

It is hard to imagine that many people will argue against new legislation.