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Scottish Sun
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Freeing criminals early from Scots prisons will ‘erode trust' in justice, charity warns
SNP ministers sneaked through the move unannounced before parly broke up for the summer, with the new home detention curfew rules kicking in from October 'SHAMEFUL' Freeing criminals early from Scots prisons will 'erode trust' in justice, charity warns FREEING criminals from jail after just 15 per cent of their sentence will 'erode trust' in justice, a charity has warned. Victim Support Scotland has hit out at a new law allowing cons to be freed from prison after just 15 per cent of their sentence would 'erode trust' in the justice system. Advertisement 2 Victim Support Scotland has raised concerns over the impact on trust in the justice system due to releasing prisoners early Credit: Getty 2 Scottish Tory MSP Liam Kerr said inmates will be "rubbing their hands with glee" Credit: Alamy We told earlier how SNP ministers sneaked through the move unannounced before parly broke up for the summer, with the new home detention curfew rules kicking in from October. It means inmates, including violent offenders, could be freed on an electronic tag after 15 per cent of their sentence, down from the current 25 per cent. Victim Support Scotland said the move was 'concerning', especially given 'the current lack of capacity for prisoner rehabilitation' in Scotland's jails. A spokeswoman said: 'The recent Scottish Crime and Justice Survey shows decreasing confidence in the criminal justice system - this has been a repeated trend for the last five years. Advertisement 'Measures like these early release measures contribute to this erosion of trust.' There were almost 6,000 criminals fitted with tags in 2023/24, with an increase of 14 per cent on the previous year. Tragic cases involving criminals on home detention curfew include the 2017 murder of Paisley dad Craig McClelland by killer James Wright, who'd sabotaged his tag and dodged cops for six months. The SNP, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens voted for the move this week, but the Scottish Tories opposed it. Advertisement Tory shadow justice secretary Liam Kerr said prisoners across Scotland 'will be rubbing their hands with glee at the SNP's shameful capitulation to criminals'. Victim Support Scotland, headed by chief exec , said its primary concern was 'the safety and wellbeing of people impacted by crime' and said victims must be informed of any early releases so they can 'plan for their safety and even risk meeting perpetrators unexpectedly in their community'. Heartbreaking Old Firm march Grieving parents call for knife crime action in Scotland The spokeswoman added: 'We fear further Emergency Early Release programmes alongside Prisoner Early Release and revised Home Detention Curfew regulations, begging the question of any meaningful prison sentence or rehabilitation for offenders.' A Scottish Government research report this month said offenders released under electronic monitoring - or EM - 'may be less likely to reoffend than those released without monitoring', but admitted: 'Some studies found no difference in offending behaviour between those released with EM and those without.' Advertisement The change comes after separate laws giving short-term prisoners automatic early release after serving 40 per cent of their sentence, rather than 50 per cent, amid efforts to cut prison populations. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said tagging was a 'well-established part of our justice system which provides structured and managed transition for individuals being released back into the community'. She added: "There is no automatic right to home detention curfew. "Decisions on home detention release are made by the Scottish Prison Service following careful consideration of each case.'
Daily Record
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Dedicated Prestwick volunteer left speechless seconds before meeting top royal
Margaret Milligan, from Prestwick, was personally honoured with an award by The Princess at Victim Support Scotland's annual volunteering conference in Glasgow. A voluntary worker has revealed how she was left speechless... seconds before meeting HRH The Princess Royal to collect an award. Margaret Milligan, from Prestwick, was personally honoured with an award by The Princess at Victim Support Scotland's annual volunteering conference in Glasgow. The Princess Royal, who is the Patron of the charity, visited to celebrate Volunteers' Week 2025 as well as Victim Support Scotland's 40th anniversary. Margaret won the Volunteer Impact Award, having been nominated and voted on by VSS colleagues and service users. 'I couldn't believe it when my name was read out,' she said. 'I was truly speechless, which is most unlike me! 'And what an honour to be presented by The Princess Royal, I'm well chuffed.' Staff and volunteers were also praised for their long service, receiving awards for five years all the way up to an incredible 28 years as a volunteer and 35 as a staff member. The Princess Royal warmly addressed all attendees, commending them for the support offered to victims of all crimes across Scotland for the past 40 years, and for the many years to come. The festival focused on celebrating volunteering at VSS and the positive impact volunteers have on the lives of people impacted by crime. Staff and volunteers took part in workshops designed to improve wellbeing, communication, and mentoring skills. James Whyte, Head of Volunteering at Victim Support Scotland, said: 'It was a real treat for our volunteers to meet The Princess Royal, and we are incredibly grateful for the support she has shown as our Patron and the interest taken in the vital support we provide to people impacted by crime in Scotland. 'This festival focused on celebrating the amazing contribution of our volunteers and the staff who support them every day. 'Our volunteers are often supporting people going through the most difficult time in their lives, and at VSS we want to let them know that they are appreciated and valued - not only by the people we support, but by the entire organisation.' Victim Support Scotland is an independent, volunteer-led charity that provides emotional, practical, and trauma-informed support to individuals and families dealing with the impact of any type of crime in Scotland. Volunteers guide victims and witnesses through the court process, provide emotional support, signpost specialist services, or simply listen to people who often feel isolated and unheard in the criminal justice system. VSS has volunteers in communities across Scotland offering in-person support, alongside a helpline and webchat service that can provide support remotely. The other award winners were: Rachel Duncan - Spirit of VSS (Lochgelly) and Julie Farish - New Volunteer (Cumbernauld).
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Family of Kory McCrimmon vow 'enough is enough' at Glasgow march against knife crime
Hundreds turned out to support the McCrimmon family and families of other victims who have lost loved ones to violent crime. The family of Kory McCrimmon said "enough is enough" as they vowed to tackle knife crime on Scotland's streets. Kory, 16, died after an attack involving a bladed weapon on May 31, 2024. He was found seriously injured in Greenfield Park in the east end of Glasgow. His parents Neil and Elizabeth and brother Jamie were joined by friends, family and members of the community for the Parents Against Knives march through Glasgow on Sunday. Campaigners, including Kory's aunt Jackie McTaggart wore t-shirts with a picture of the schoolboy and held banners as they made a six mile journey from Ibrox to Celtic Park. The march comes in the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents this year. The tragedies have taken place amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which was launched two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic. Kory's mum Elizabeth McCrimmon told the Record: 'There have been too many deaths in the west of Scotland. 'Three young children have been lost in a year, enough is enough. The system is broken. 'Everytime I see another family go through what we've been through it's horrible. You wouldn't wish it on anyone. We're still going through the pain of losing Kory." His brother Jamie, 23, branded knife crime an epidemic as he called for action. He said: 'Too much, too many, no more. 'Knife crime is an epidemic that doesn't seem to be stopping and nobody really seems to care. 'I think here today with everybody showing it up. It sends a clear message that it needs to stop. "Parents don't have control of their children. Police don't have control. Something needs to be done to stop this for good. Campaigner Jackie McTaggart, Kory's aunt, said the family hope the march could send a clear message to Holyrood that Scotland wants change. She called for a meeting with John Swinney and Angela Constance. She said: "We want to spare families from going through what we are. "There are many families here who have lost loved ones to violent crime. "We don't want to see any more children being lost. We want to sit down with John Swinney and the Justice Secretary. 'We hope today draws attention to this major issue. We hope it is seen far and wide that we've had enough. We need to see change now.' A 14-year-old was sentenced to five years detention over the death of Kory. Since then, on March 5 15-year-old Amen in the Maryhill area of Glasgow. Two boys aged 14 and 16 have appeared in court charged with murder. Last month 16-year-old Kayden Moy was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire on May 17. A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder following his death. Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: 'Too many lives are being devastated by knife crime in Scotland. 'Behind every statistic, hundreds of lives are irreversibly impacted with tragic consequences for everyone involved; family, friends, siblings, school mates, and the wider communities in which we all live. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. 'We support the Parents Against Knives walk, organised entirely by the McCrimmon family in memory of their son Kory, which will undoubtedly help draw attention to this growing crisis. 'These are complex and sensitive situations which require a multi-agency response from the Scottish Government, victim support organisations, police, social work, youth work and others to work together to tackle knife crime and the devastation it causes. People across Scotland deserve to feel safe in their own communities.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Family of tragic Kory McCrimmon to march through Glasgow in 'Parents Against Knives' demo
Hundreds are expected to march from Ibrox Stadium to Celtic Park today in a demonstration against knife crime. The family of tragic Kory McCrimmon will join a 'Parents Against Knives' march in Glasgow today. Hundreds are set to walk through the streets of the city from Ibrox Stadium to Celtic Park at 1pm. Kory died after an attack involving a bladed weapon on May 31, 2024. He was found seriously injured in the city's Greenfield Park. Ahead of the march his family vowed the 16-year-old's life 'will not be in vain' as they urged others to join the walk. The march comes in the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents in recent weeks. The tragedies have taken place amid the Record's Our Kids ... Our Future campaign, which was launched two years ago in response to a youth violence epidemic. In a statement issued through Victim Support Scotland, Kory's family previously said: 'Kory McCrimmon's young life was a brushstroke in time but we his family wish for his death to make a difference: Kory's life will not be in vain. 'Our aim here is to continue highlighting the increase in deaths and danger by knife and violent crime. Our sons and daughters are more than statistics, they deserve better. 'Kory's parents are very clear: if we can prevent at least one more family going through this life-shattering agony, we have gone a long way in our mission, but let's go further. 'We walk in Kory's name but we stand for all those lives lost or maimed to knife violence: too much, too many. No more. 'Come join our walk and lend your hearts and voices to making our streets, our young people and our lives safer.' Two boys aged 14 and 16 have appeared in court charged with murder following the death of 15-year-old Amen in the Maryhill area of Glasgow on March 5. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Kayden, 16, was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire after police were called to the area at about 6.45pm on May 17. A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder following his death. Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: 'Too many lives are being devastated by knife crime in Scotland. 'Behind every statistic, hundreds of lives are irreversibly impacted with tragic consequences for everyone involved; family, friends, siblings, school mates, and the wider communities in which we all live. 'We support the Parents Against Knives walk, organised entirely by the McCrimmon family in memory of their son Kory, which will undoubtedly help draw attention to this growing crisis. 'These are complex and sensitive situations which require a multi-agency response from the Scottish Government, victim support organisations, police, social work, youth work and others to work together to tackle knife crime and the devastation it causes. People across Scotland deserve to feel safe in their own communities.'
STV News
6 days ago
- STV News
Families to march against knife crime through streets after teen deaths
A march against knife violence is to take place through the streets of Glasgow on Sunday following the deaths of three teenagers. Starting at 1pm, the Parents Against Knives march will be joined by the family of Kory McCrimmon, who died after an attack involving a bladed weapon on May 31, 2024. His family said the 16-year-old's life 'will not be in vain' as they urged others to join the march. The 16-year-old died after he was found seriously injured in Greenfield Park in the east end of Glasgow. A 14-year-old was last month sentenced to five years detention after admitting culpable homicide. Police Scotland Amen Teklay, 15, and Kayden Moy, 16. The march comes in the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents in recent weeks. In a statement issued through Victim Support Scotland, Kory's family previously said: 'Kory McCrimmon's young life was a brushstroke in time but we his family wish for his death to make a difference: Kory's life will not be in vain. 'Our aim here is to continue highlighting the increase in deaths and danger by knife and violent crime. Our sons and daughters are more than statistics, they deserve better. 'Kory's parents are very clear: if we can prevent at least one more family going through this life-shattering agony, we have gone a long way in our mission, but let's go further. 'We walk in Kory's name but we stand for all those lives lost or maimed to knife violence: too much, too many. No more. 'Come join our walk and lend your hearts and voices to making our streets, our young people and our lives safer.' Two boys aged 14 and 16 have appeared in court charged with murder following the death of 15-year-old Amen in the Maryhill area of Glasgow on March 5. Kayden, 16, was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire after police were called to the area at about 6.45pm on May 17. A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder following his death. The Parents Against Knives march will set off from Rangers' Ibrox stadium and those taking part will walk to Celtic Park in the east end of the city. Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: 'Too many lives are being devastated by knife crime in Scotland. 'Behind every statistic, hundreds of lives are irreversibly impacted with tragic consequences for everyone involved; family, friends, siblings, school mates, and the wider communities in which we all live. 'We support the Parents Against Knives walk, organised entirely by the McCrimmon family in memory of their son Kory, which will undoubtedly help draw attention to this growing crisis. 'These are complex and sensitive situations which require a multi-agency response from the Scottish Government, victim support organisations, police, social work, youth work and others to work together to tackle knife crime and the devastation it causes. People across Scotland deserve to feel safe in their own communities.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
