Ayrshire murder victim's sister hits out at mass early release of prisoners
The Scottish Government is preparing to release around 550 prisoners early, due to overcrowding in Scottish prisons
Last updated 7th Jun 2024
An Ayrshire woman, who has campaigned for better support for victims and their families in the justice system since her sister’s murder, is calling plans to release more than 500 prisoners early “a slap in the face”.
The Scottish Government has approved measures to release around 550 prisoners in four waves, starting at the end of this month, due to high prison populations.
Lisa Stewart, whose sister Michelle was killed by her ex-boyfriend John Wilson in Drongan in 2008, tells Greatest Hits Radio News the best interests of victims aren’t being considered: “The early release shows a complete disregard for the victims of crime by the Scottish Government.
READ MORE: Ayrshire teenager Michelle Stewart's killer denied parole
“Having to release prisoners early because of overcrowding shows how they’ve made a complete mess of the Scottish justice system.”
Victims will not be automatically notified if their offenders are being released as part of the scheme.
Victim Support Scotland (VSS) has said it will be for victims to seek them out and ask if the person who committed a crime against them will be among those to be released.
For those not part of the notification scheme, they will have to contact VSS, who will then ask if the offender in their case has been released, according to Kate Wallace, the body's chief executive.
Lisa, who has campaigned for Michelle’s Law – to give victims and families more of a voice in the justice system, says victims shouldn’t have to seek out information about their offenders: “Most victims won’t even be aware of the early release scheme.
READ MORE: Family of murdered Michelle Stewart furious over lack of rehabilitation for killer
“At the very least the Scottish Government should be notifying all the victims of the criminals that they’re planning to release early, to make them aware.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family and friends of Michelle Stewart. We recognise victims’ concerns about the use of the emergency release power and can assure those affected that protecting the public remains an absolute priority.
“We are working with victim support organisations to increase victims’ awareness of how they can access information and ensuring that all victims who want to receive information about an offender’s release can do so, with the support of a victim support organisation if they wish.”