Michelle's Law to be debated by MSPs
The campaign calls for more rights for victims of crime in Scotland.
Last updated 7th Sep 2018
A campaign to strengthen victim’s rights will be debated at Holyrood today.
“Michelle’s Law” is named after 17 year-old Michelle Stewart from Drongan who was brutally murdered by her ex-boyfriend ten years ago.
Her family was informed, by letter, that her murderer had been approved for temporary release after serving 9 years of a 12 year sentence.
They’re now calling for a change in legislation to give them more of a say about when and where he is released.
Lisa Stewart, Michelle’s sister, said: “Our sister is never coming home, but the person who took her from us will come back to our community after 9 years.
“That has been incredibly difficult for my family to accept and we started this campaign to ensure no other family has to go through this painful process.
“Michelle’s Law would put victims first and ensure that the safety and welfare of victims and their families are specifically taken into account when parole and early release is considered.
“We just wanted to be heard and I hope, because of this campaign, other families will be.”
The main points of the campaign are as follows:
1. Explicitly require the safety and welfare of victims and their families to be taken into account when parole and early release are considered
2. Increase use of powers to impose ‘exclusion zones’ on offenders, to offer increased protection to victims and their families
3. Toughen up the Victim Notification Scheme (VNS) so victims and their families are given reasons for an offender’s release, and can make representations in person
Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary, is leading the debate. He will say, “We are here to ask why killers like John Wilson get out of prison only 9 years into their 12-year sentence, with no explanation or input given to the victim’s family, no consideration for their welfare, and no restrictions on the locations he can visit while he’s out.
“Michelle’s family think this is unacceptable. They are right.
“Michelle’s Law calls for three things that have the very clear aim of putting victims at the heart of the justice system, not left outside looking in.
“The SNP’s victim support proposals in the Programme for Government are little more than warm words when action is required.
“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to campaign to put victims first; we will continue to campaign for Michelle’s Law.”