Life sentences ruling sends out completely the wrong message to victims of crime

A landmark legal ruling has cleared the way for people serving discretionary life sentences to challenge the length of time they must spend in Scottish jails. It follows appeals by rapist Robert Foye and paedophile Morris Petch.

Scottish Conservatives are calling for all parties to sit down and work out what can be done to stop this measure.

John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said:

“Like any right-minded person, I am extremely concerned about this. These two men committed sickening crimes and people will be very worried that time could be shaved off their sentences.

“What kind of message does this send out to victims of crime in particular, that the men who caused them such harm could find the law working in their favour? It could pave the way for a flood of appeals from the most dangerous criminals.

“Although sentencing must always remain the prerogative of the judiciary, I think the immediate priority would be for all political parties to sit down and work out what we can do to stop this. It cannot be allowed to happen.”