Family is in limbo over parole case

THE family of Angus murder victim Steven Donaldson have been left with no communication from the parole board after killer Tasmin Glass had her case deferred over a month ago.

The Donaldsons say they have received no further notification about a date for a second parole hearing after Glass’s case was postponed for an oral hearing when the board met on February 28.

The decision to defer was made following the Tele’s A Voice for Victims campaign which calls for greater transparency, communication and thought to be given to victims in parole cases.

The board said they did not have enough evidence to decide on Glass’s future at the hearing.

The Donaldson family are entitled to three weeks’ notice prior to the second hearing which must be held by the beginning of May – meaning the very latest the family should be informed is April 11.

The Donaldsons say the lack of communication from the parole board in the interim has left them “surprised and concerned”.

Earlier this week, the parole board confirmed to the Tele that “registered victims will be notified three weeks in advance once an oral hearing has been scheduled”.

Glass was convicted of culpable homicide in 2019 for her “pivotal role” in the brutal murder of Steven Donaldson in Kirriemuir and sentenced to 10 years in jail.

However, under Scots Law she is eligible to apply for parole having served half of her sentence.

Steven’s sister Lori said the family had hoped to hear more about the second hearing before now.

She said: “We are concerned and surprised we have heard nothing further from the parole board regarding a second date for a parole hearing. It is now five weeks since the board deferred their decision and said they would hold a second hearing.

“If Glass is due for parole effective from May 3, which we believe to be the case, we would have expected to have heard something by now.”

Steven Donaldson’s sister said the family remain optimistic that the parole board is taking her family’s concerns seriously given the previous deferral.

“We continue to firmly believe that Tasmin Glass remains a risk to society,” said Lori.

“Given the significant role she played in the murder of Steven we are of the firm belief she must serve the entire 10-year sentence imposed by the judge.

“For her to be granted bail five years into that sentence would be disgusting.”

Steven’s family were previously notified by email that the parole board had failed to come to a decision in February.

In the email, the Donaldson family were told that an oral hearing can come at the request of either the board or the offender.

“An oral hearing can take place where the board considers that it has insufficient information before it to make a decision, or if the individual requests it and the board agrees,” it said.

HEARING: Tasmin Glass was given 10 years for her part in the murder.