Killer’s parole hearing forces FM to defend justice system

OUTRAGE over a parole hearing to be held for Dundee murderer Robbie McIntosh spilled into Holyrood as Nicola Sturgeon was forced to defend Scotland’s justice system.

Tory MSP Liam Kerr said not enough is being done to protect victims from thugs like McIntosh, who tried to kill again while on home leave.

McIntosh left Dundee gran Linda McDonald for dead in August 2017 when he bludgeoned her with a dumbbell in Templeton Woods as she walked her dog.

He had been serving a life sentence for the murder of Anne Nicoll in 2001 when he was aged just 15.

Mrs McDonald, 57, has warned the violent killer should not be granted parole and said recently: “There is absolutely no justice in this whatsoever.”

She was dismayed it was revealed his hearing will take place around August 8, five years after the anniversary of the attempted murder.

Questioning the first minister, North East MSP Mr Kerr said: “What message does that send to women such as the victim of that shocking attack, other than that this government’s justice system will not protect them?”

Ms Sturgeon praised Mrs McDonald for her “bravery” and said the Scottish Prison Service is working to make positive changes following a review.

She told Mr Kerr: “Home leave for prisoners is a necessary and accepted part of the rehabilitation process.

“Prisoners are subjected to assessment and review. Where a situation arises that shows that this has not gone in the way it should have done, it is absolutely vital that lessons are learned.”

Ms Sturgeon added the courts and parole board were responsible for determining when McIntosh should be freed.

Mrs McDonald met former SNP justice secretary Humza Yousaf in 2020 and received an apology.

She recently wrote to the parole board saying: “My anger and frustration at the organisations responsible for the systemic failings that led to (McIntosh) being released continue to impact on my physical and mental health.”

Robbie McIntosh