Lamont welcomes meeting with Justice Secretary on life sentences ruling

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

Today, John Lamont MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Justice, today met with the Justice Secretary to discuss the implications of the ruling and what could be done to minimise the risk of dangerous criminals flooding the justice system with appeals.

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

"After the legal ruling was made, I called for all parties to sit down and work out what can be done to minimise the impact of this ruling. It sends out completely the wrong message to victims of crime that the men who caused them such harm could find the law working in their favour. There is clearly a danger that it could pave the way for a flood of appeals from the most dangerous criminals.

"I was very pleased the Justice Secretary shares my concerns. He deserves credit for his quick response and he informed me that plans were underway to deal with the possible consequences of this ruling.

"Mr MacAskill has given an undertaking to work with other parties on this important issue. He will ensure that all parties are kept informed of the work of the officials as they consider how to prepare a solution.

"It is important that sentencing remains the prerogative of the judiciary. However, politicians have a duty to act when the safety of the public is potentially threatened.

"I am sure there will be unanimous support for these measures and certainly I pledge that Scottish Conservatives will do all we can to prevent dangerous criminals from exploiting the law to receive time off their sentences."

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