‘Give tougher sentences for attacks on vulnerable’

Ministers have been urged to bring forward proposals to tackle the “callous and inhuman behaviour” of criminals who exploit vulnerable people by enabling imposition of tougher sentences.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said the party would support a change in the law to enable courts to impose increased sentences on offenders who deliberately target people because of their age or disability, based on perceived vulnerability. The proposal is one of more than 20 put forward in a review of Scotland’s hate crime laws, published last week.

During a holy rood debate on the review, Mr Kerr said: “We can send a message that we will not tolerate those who target the most vulnerable in our society. Criminals must know they will be additionally punished with a tougher sentence for such callous and inhuman behaviour.

“I call on the minister to waste no time bringing forward proposals to implement this recommendations. If she does, she will have our full support.”

The review, carried out by Lord Bracadale, said the aggravation would not be treated as form of hate crime but would address “opportunistic crimes committed against the elderly and disabled persons”.

All other recommendations are under consideration and will be subject to consultation.