Family of murdered Clydebank teenager launch new campaign calling for tougher sentences

Parents of Paige Doherty hit out after John Leathem's jail term cut

Published 23rd Feb 2017

The family of murdered Clydebank teenager Paige Doherty have launched a new campaign calling for tougher sentences

Mum Pamela Munro and step-dad Andy have unveiled "No Justice for Paige" on Facebook just days after murderer John Leathem got his sentence reduced by 4 years to 23 years.

The father-of-two killed the schoolgirl in March last year in the sandwich shop he ran and later dumped her body beside the A82.

Her grieving mother says its not fair that murderers get access to things like education, personal training and protection behind bars.

In an online post she says "after last weeks heartbreaking news, we can't take this lying down. We have fought from the start and we won't give up no. Last weeks news is an insult to Paige's life, her murder and her legacy and we are not walking away with this decision."

Ms Munro wants people to take a photograph of themselves with a sign saying #NoJusticeForPaige and nominate 3 people to do the same in the hope that the hashtag will start trending on social media.

The family are calling for a change in the laws regarding treatment of victims rights and want to see tougher, longer and more appropriate sentencing for people who murder.

Ms Munro goes on to say, "right now, individuals in prison can gain access to qualifications, personal trainers and have full protection. Paige has been denied her qualifications and had no protection the day she chose to get her breakfast before work."

"Please help us raise awareness to say this is not acceptable. People's lives are worth more than this, and those that murder should not have these privileges. Families should not be insulted by this. Victims who are killed should have more respect."

Leathem was sentenced to 27 years last October but later that month he launched an appeal to have it cut which he won.

He inflicted more than 146 injuries on the teenager, moved her body in bags to the boot of his car before leaving her in a wooded area next to the busy Great Western Road.