Families of murder victims ‘relieved’ as minister backs parole changes

The families of two high-profile murder victims say they are “relieved” the Scottish Government is backing changes to the parole system for killers who refuse to reveal the location of their victims’ bodies.

Relatives of Suzanne Pilley and Arlene Fraser issued a joint statement in Glasgow on Wednesday, after meeting Justice Secretary Angela Constance.

They urged the minister to bring in the changes as quickly as possible.

The meeting was requested by the families to discuss an amendment to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill currently going through the Scottish Parliament

The amendment would mean that when a convicted murderer refuses to reveal the location of their victims remains, this “must” be taken into account when considering parole.

Under current legislation, the parole board rules dictate that this “may” be taken into account.

The changes have sometimes been referred to as “Suzanne’s Law” – named after Suzanne Pilley, who was murdered by her colleague David Gilroy in 2010.

However, the Scottish Government has not used this term and says decisions on parole are for the independent parole board.

Gail Fairgrieve, sister of Suzanne Pilley, and her mother Sylvia Pilley were joined by Carol Gillies – who is Arlene Fraser’s sister – in Glasgow on Wednesday. 

Arlene Fraser vanished in 1998, with her husband Nat Fraser being convicted of her murder in 2012.

The joint statement said: “Today we met with Justice Secretary Angela Constance to seek assurances that this important amendment will go through in the Bill.

“We are relieved that she reaffirmed her support of the amendment and spoke of her commitment for the intent and substantive content of amendment 260 to remain unaltered.

“We’d like to thank her for meeting with us and discussing the impact that this change will have.

“We hope that this change in law will provide not only us, but with other families in our position, with a measure of comfort and confidence that they can get the justice that we all so badly deserve.”

It continued: “With the next stage due on return from summer recess, we urge ministers to ensure that this legislation is enacted as soon as possible – we have already been under unimaginable strain and pressure for so many years leading up to this moment.”

The SNP minister said: “I am grateful to the families of Suzanne Pilley and Arlene Fraser for meeting with me today.

“They have suffered heartbreaking losses, compounded by not knowing the final resting place of their loved ones. My deepest sympathies remain with them.

“In March, I supported an amendment to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill that will mean the Parole Board, when making decisions about release, must take account of whether a prisoner has information about the disposal of a victim’s remains, but has not disclosed it.

“At today’s meeting, I reiterated my firm commitment to this change, which will become law if the Bill is passed in Parliament.”