Four murderers in five years have reoffended within a year of release

STATISTICS: Liam Kerr slams Holyrood over ‘unacceptable and disgraceful’ situation after new figures released

Four convicted murderers in the past five years have gone on to commit further attacks within a year of their release from prison, according to new figures.

The statistics are revealed a month after a damning report into the circumstances that led to convicted murderer Robbie McIntosh being released on home leave before he tried to kill Linda McDonald in Dundee.

Law killer McIntosh was being prepared for possible release on parole at the time of the 2017 attack – which took place just five days into his home leave.

Officials involved in managing McIntosh prior to the assault on Mrs McDonald feared he was manipulating the system to be released from prison.

The Scottish Conservatives said such incidents show the need for courts to be given the power to hand down tougher sentences to violent criminals.

Shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr described the situation as “unacceptable and disgraceful”.

The north-east MSP said: “One person being assaulted by a convicted killer is too much – let alone four in five years.

The figures are very concerning and show something similar to the Robbie McIntosh case may happen again if the proper procedures are not in place.

“The SNP government seems to be brushing aside any concerns the public may have on killers being released from prison which is completely unacceptable and disgraceful.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are strengthening the justice system to do what is right for victims of crime and a dedicated task force is listening to victims’ experiences to improve the support available.

“We are also investing in services for families bereaved by crime and have consulted on plans to give more victims of serious crimes the right to explain to courts how it has affected them.”

She added the significant case review into McIntosh’s home leave would not be ignored.

She said: “It is important lessons are learned from the significant case review findings and are acted upon. The victim in this case has shown considerable bravery and we are grateful for her contribution to this review.

“The law is clear that courts have powers to impose a punishment that can extend beyond a person’s life and it is right that the independent court makes these decisions based on all the facts of the case.

“Evidence shows that only 35 out of all 342 life cases were considered for release under licence by the Parole Board for Scotland in 2017-18.

“Parole Board decisions are independent of ministers. Life sentence prisoners remain on licence for the rest of their life and subject to recall at any time should they breach their licence.”

One person being assaulted by a convicted killer is too much – let alone four in five years. SHADOW JUSTICE SECRETARY LIAM KERR

Picture: Newsline. Convicted murderer Robbie McIntosh.