Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay today condemned John Swinney for letting down victims and pursuing a “weak” justice agenda.
Findlay criticised the SNP’s decision to release hundreds of prisoners early and said it would result in “more crime, more victims and more pressure on police.”
He also raised the plight of victims of crime and their families, who were in the Scottish Parliament public gallery during First Minister’s Questions.
Findlay asked John Swinney about the murder of Claire Inglis, who was tortured and murdered in her home three years ago today (Thursday).
Claire’s killer was bailed by the court five times. Her parents say they are still waiting for answers to basic questions. Claire’s mother, Fiona, said: “There is something far wrong with Scotland’s justice system when victims are kept in the dark and not treated as a priority.”
The Scottish Conservative leader also asked John Swinney to support and fund a private criminal prosecution of David Goodwillie and David Robertson for the rape of Denise Clair.
The original criminal case was dropped by the Crown Office who cited “insufficient evidence”, however they were found to have committed rape in a civil case.
Denise Clair said that “too many rape victims in Scotland continue to be let down and re-traumatised by the justice system.”
Thomas Ross KC, who is representing Denise, has said “there is nothing complicated or complex about this decision.”
In response, John Swinney admitted the SNP had taken “too long” to respond to Denise Clair and apologised for that delay.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “The SNP’s weak justice agenda lets victims down and leaves them without the answers they deserve.
“Three years on from their daughter’s horrific murder, Claire’s parents are still fighting to find out the full circumstances around her murder.
“They shouldn’t have to beg for basic information. I previously raised their plight directly with the First Minister and his predecessor, but they’re still waiting.
“Denise Clair has bravely fought for justice. She now needs government ministers to do the right thing and support her bid to prosecute the men who raped her. This should be a simple and easy decision for the government.
“Now John Swinney has passed a bad law to free thousands of criminals early from Scotland’s prisons, which will result in more crime, more victims and more pressure on police.
“When it’s releasing prisoners, the SNP rush through a law in days. When it’s justice for victims, they leave them waiting for years.
“Prison governors should have the power to block the release of criminals considered too dangerous. It doesn’t make any sense that the SNP have removed this vital safeguard which helped to protect the public.
“People in the real world are looking at the release of so many potentially dangerous prisoners in utter disbelief.”
Denise Clair said: “I feel that after 13 years of fighting for justice, I have to come to Holyrood to urge the First Minister and his government to do the right thing.
“The clear legal advice is there’s nothing complicated or complex about whether or not to fund this private prosecution.
“Too many rape victims in Scotland continue to be let down and re-traumatised by the justice system.”
Fiona, the mother of Claire Inglis, said: “We should not have to come to Parliament again, and on the third anniversary of our beloved daughter’s murder, to beg the First Minister for answers.
“We feel trapped and unable to move on because we continue to be deprived of basic but vital information.
“There is something far wrong with Scotland’s justice system when victims are kept in the dark and not treated as a priority.”
Ian, the father of Claire Inglis, said: “Why was Claire’s killer bailed five times? What, if anything, did the Crown Office and the courts know about the concerns of social workers?
“These are just some of the questions we need answers to. Had the justice system been effective and kept this highly dangerous individual in custody, I believe that Claire could still be alive today.
“The government surely has a duty to learn from what went so badly wrong so that no other family has to go through the hell that we are suffering.”