Lib Dems seek cross-party support for exclusion zones for criminals on licence

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have urged other parties to back proposals which would ban criminals from certain places when they are released on licence.

MSP Jamie Greene has submitted amendments to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill which would create so-called exclusion zones for those on licence.

The zones would be set by the parole board and could be used to protect victims or their families.

Mr Greene has also tabled changes to the Bill which would require the parole board to consider the safety of victims before a prisoner is released, guarantee the chance for victims to make statements in court, and require the creation of a “victim’s charter”.

Speaking ahead of the final vote on the Bill next week, Mr Greene said: “Right now, our system can tilt too much in favour of a perpetrator of a crime, without proper regard for the victims and their families.

“To redress that balance and strengthen the rights of victims, I developed a victim’s law, and I have worked constructively to try and ensure the key measures set out in that law are included in this Bill.

“Ahead of the final vote this week, I am calling on the Government and all parties across Parliament to back my further proposals to strengthen victims’ rights.

“We are in the final months of this Parliament, so there is no time to lose in making critical changes that could significantly improve the safety and rights of victims and their families. The time to make these changes is now.”

The Bill as it stands, if passed, will scrap the not proven verdict that is unique to Scotland, as well as create a Victims’ Commissioner.

On Friday, the Scottish Conservatives laid out their demands for changes to the Bill, which include agreement with the Lib Dems over the right of victims to make a statement in court, as well as ensuring victims are notified if a person will not be prosecuted in their case or if a plea deal has been reached.

If the Scottish Government does not back the proposals, Tory leader Russell Findlay said, the Bill risks being a “sham”.