Brian Whittle MSP is backing plans announced by the Scottish Conservatives to reform Scotland’s justice system.
Among the proposals announced by the party are a plan to give the public the right to request a review by the Lord Advocate of a criminal’s sentence if they believe it is too light.
Currently, only the Crown Office has the power to review the sentence handed down to criminals, but they have only used the power 26 times in the last six years. With the SNP planning to allow prisoners to be released after serving only a third of their sentence, Brian believes the public should have a right to challenge unduly soft sentences.
He also voiced his support for plans for tougher rules to would prevent registered sex offenders from hiding their identities. The new policy would prevent registered sex offenders from changing their name, as well as requiring them to notify police if they change their gender or sign up to use a dating app. The party cited the example of Jason Graham, who was jailed for seven and a half years for the rape and serious assault of a retired nurse in 2013. When he was released in 2018, he reportedly changed his name to Jason Evans before going on to rape and murder 67 year old Esther Brown in May 2021, while still under police community supervision.
The Scottish Conservatives also announced they want to create a domestic abuse register, which would work in a similar way to the sex offenders register, with abusers placed on a database allowing police or councils to act if they identify a potential victim at risk. Convicted abusers would be required to notify the police if they change their address or get a passport, allowing for closer monitoring once they’re released from prison. The proposals would also require offenders subject to court orders to complete mandatory rehabilitation courses in an effort to prevent repeat offending. Over 65,000 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in 2020-21, the highest number ever.
Commenting on the proposals, Brian Whittle MSP said:
“For years, the SNP have failed to give Scots a justice system that puts victims first and ensures those convicted of serious crimes serve a serious sentence.
With these proposals, the Scottish Conservatives are showing what could be done to change that.
Those affected by the actions of criminals should have the right to make sure their voice is heard in the judicial process and push for a tougher sentence.
Registered Sex Offenders should not be allowed to walk away from their past crimes by easily changing their identity and police and local authorities should have greater powers to protect the public from falling victim to known domestic abusers.
Scotland’s justice system must be about standing up for victims, protecting the public, punishing offenders and taking steps to prevent reoffending.
While the SNP move forward with plans to release offenders even earlier and continue to let down victims of crime, the Scottish Conservatives are committed a stronger justice system and a safer Scotland.”
