Family of murdered Paisley Dad say they've been left in limbo
Craig McClelland's loved ones met the Justice Secretary to call for a public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the 31-year old's death
Last updated 28th Nov 2018
The family of a murdered Paisley dad say they are no further forward after a meeting with Justice Secratary to call for a public inquiry into the events surrounding the death.
31-year old Craig McClelland was stabbed by repeat offender James Wright in Foxbar in July last year.
The 25-year old breached his home curfew 6 months before, 11 days after his release.
He was jailed in June for for the Dad of three's murder for at least 20 years.
Politicians had joined forces to back the family's call for an inquiry to help them find answers to "legitimate and serious questions" surrounding his killing.
Today they met with Humza Yousaf to ask for the public inquiry - but he's yet to make a decision.
In a statement given exclusively to Clyde News, Craig McClelland's partner Stacey said: ''The family are extremely disappointed that despite making a strong case for a public inquiry which, was also called upon by other political parties, no decision has yet been made.
''Key questions the family asked they refused to answer. We were been fobbed off with generalities. It's a simple answer of 'yes' or 'no'. The family are probably now going to be left in the dark over the Christmas period which now is the most difficult time of the year. It was a very emotional meeting, why can't they just give us an answer?''
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: “I thank the McClelland family for meeting again with me and representatives of the prison service and police. I listened very carefully to their concerns and will consider carefully the questions they have raised.
“The Scottish Government is determined to support the family and to ensure lessons are learned and improvements are made.
“Following publication of the two independent inspectorate reports into the Home Detention Curfew scheme, I previously met the family and advised that the Scottish Government, the Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland accepted all of the reports' recommendations. This includes considering making it a specific offence to remain ‘unlawfully at large’.
“Our focus is on ensuring that relevant agencies, along with government, make real and demonstrable changes and I have asked both Inspectorates to review this progress in six months’ time.
“I will update the family shortly on these developments.''