Scots Tory leader Douglas Ross vows to toughen up ‘soft touch’ justice system and make victims’ rights top priority
DOUGLAS Ross today pledged to crack down on Scotland’s justice system and make victims’ rights a No1 priority.
The Scots Tory leader revealed plans to introduce “whole life” terms for the most serious offenders and end automatic early release.
He also outlined moves for ditching curbs on jail sentences of less than 12 months and to alter parole rules to consider the welfare of victims’ families.
It follows the Michelle’s Law campaign — named after slain Michelle Stewart, whose killer was approved for temporary release.
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Mr Ross, who will bid to become an MSP at May’s Holyrood election, told The Scottish Sun: “Right now the SNP’s soft-touch justice system is stacked against victims. It lets criminals away with easy sentences for horrific crimes.
“The first Bill I’ll introduce next year will crack down on crime and put victims at the heart of the justice system.
“I’m fed up seeing the SNP talk tough then back down and break their promises to victims’ families.
“This Victims Bill puts their rights in law, so nobody can forget them.
“Their voices will be heard and they won’t be put through any more unnecessary heartache and pain.”
Mr Ross’s plans also include ensuring all community payback orders are completed in full.
The Moray MP wants to overhaul the Victim Notification Scheme to give greater access to information about an offender’s release.
He also said he’d change the law so all victims could provide impact statements in court and introduce a “statutory timescale” for fatal accident inquiries to give grieving families answers as soon as possible.
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Michelle, 17, was fatally stabbed by ex John Wilson in Drongan, Ayrshire, in 2008. Relatives hit out in 2018 after hearing he was due for home visits three years before his minimum 12-year term ended.
The Scottish Government insisted there was “no evidence” of criminals enjoying “easy” sentences.
A spokeswoman added: “Smart justice is what matters with protection of the public coupled with reducing reoffending through rehabilitation.”
christine.lavelle @the-sun.co.uk
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