Notorious murderers will feature in documentary about parole board

Some of Scotland’s most notorious criminals will feature in a television documentary about their attempts to walk free.

Programme makers have gained unprecedented access to the Parole Board for Scotland.

The one-hour show will reveal the process that determines whether a serious criminal is safe to be released back into society.

“We are very grateful to be given this level of access,” said executive producer Jane Rog- erson, of Glasgow makers Red Sky Productions.

“It gives us the opportunity to open the door on a process that has remained secret and so is little understood.”

Programme makers hope the documentary will shed light on what they call an “often poorly understood and always contentious” part of our legal system.

Featuring interviews and media reports of crimes, the Channel 4 programme will document the process involving those serving life for murder, culpable homicide and other serious crimes.

The documentary will gain first-hand insight from the prisoner preparing for their parole board hearing and their family anticipating the prospect of early release.

Also interviewed will be social workers, prison governors, psychiatrists and police whose reports play a crucial role in the hearing.

Ms Rogerson said: “The decision of the parole board is final.

“There is currently no right of appeal, only scarcely used judicial reviews.

“This makes for an agonising and anxious process for all involved.”