Menu
27/09/2004
Scotland's crime victims to be notified of prisoner releases
For the first time victims of serious crime in Scotland will be informed of the eligibility for home release or day release of prisoners.
This is in addition to the opportunity for victims of serious crime to make representations to the Parole Board for Scotland when the prisoner is being considered for release on licence.
The new provisions, to take effect from November 1, will ensure that victims can register for the Victim Notification Scheme to get information on home release and day release and be informed if the prisoner is transferred out of Scotland, if the prisoner dies, escapes or absconds.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "The rights of victims of crime have been at the centre of our criminal justice reforms. From the Vulnerable Witnesses Act to today's announcement we've tried to ensure that victims are heard and kept informed of developments pertaining to their case.
"This new provision will ensure that anyone who has been a victim of serious crime who wants to can be made aware of any changes to the status of those who offended against them."
She added: "I hope this will be of some comfort to those whose lives have been blighted by crime and will go some way to towards improving confidence in the criminal justice service."
The Victim Notification Scheme sits alongside other victim-orientated projects in the criminal justice system including the Victim Statement Scheme currently being piloted and VIA (Victim Information and Advice) which is part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The range of offences includes crimes involving: sexual and non-sexual violence; indecency; racial or religious hatred; firearms; causing death by dangerous driving or by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs; and the most serious breaches of the peace and housebreaking offences.
Where the offender is sentenced to four years or more in prison, including life sentences and detention without limit of time, the victim will be given the option to register with the victim notification scheme and to receive this information.
(gmcg)
This is in addition to the opportunity for victims of serious crime to make representations to the Parole Board for Scotland when the prisoner is being considered for release on licence.
The new provisions, to take effect from November 1, will ensure that victims can register for the Victim Notification Scheme to get information on home release and day release and be informed if the prisoner is transferred out of Scotland, if the prisoner dies, escapes or absconds.
Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "The rights of victims of crime have been at the centre of our criminal justice reforms. From the Vulnerable Witnesses Act to today's announcement we've tried to ensure that victims are heard and kept informed of developments pertaining to their case.
"This new provision will ensure that anyone who has been a victim of serious crime who wants to can be made aware of any changes to the status of those who offended against them."
She added: "I hope this will be of some comfort to those whose lives have been blighted by crime and will go some way to towards improving confidence in the criminal justice service."
The Victim Notification Scheme sits alongside other victim-orientated projects in the criminal justice system including the Victim Statement Scheme currently being piloted and VIA (Victim Information and Advice) which is part of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
The range of offences includes crimes involving: sexual and non-sexual violence; indecency; racial or religious hatred; firearms; causing death by dangerous driving or by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs; and the most serious breaches of the peace and housebreaking offences.
Where the offender is sentenced to four years or more in prison, including life sentences and detention without limit of time, the victim will be given the option to register with the victim notification scheme and to receive this information.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 June 2004
Blunkett unveils 'tough' domestic violence Bill
The biggest overhaul of domestic violence law in 30 years, heralding "tough powers" for the police and the courts to protect victims and prosecute abusers, goes before the House of Commons today.
Blunkett unveils 'tough' domestic violence Bill
The biggest overhaul of domestic violence law in 30 years, heralding "tough powers" for the police and the courts to protect victims and prosecute abusers, goes before the House of Commons today.
26 January 2009
Sara Payne Announced As Victims' Champion
The mother of murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne, has been announced as the new Victims' Champion. Sara Payne has agreed to take on the post,which will last one year, and act as a new independent public vote for victims of and witnesses to crime.
Sara Payne Announced As Victims' Champion
The mother of murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne, has been announced as the new Victims' Champion. Sara Payne has agreed to take on the post,which will last one year, and act as a new independent public vote for victims of and witnesses to crime.
25 January 2005
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
29 July 2003
Street crime strategy reaps results
Responding to the publication today of Streets Ahead, the joint inspectorate report on the Street Crime Initiative, the Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The Street Crime Initiative is an outstanding success. The results speak for themselves - robbery cut by 17 per cent in the ten street crime areas, meaning 17,000 fewer victims.
Street crime strategy reaps results
Responding to the publication today of Streets Ahead, the joint inspectorate report on the Street Crime Initiative, the Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "The Street Crime Initiative is an outstanding success. The results speak for themselves - robbery cut by 17 per cent in the ten street crime areas, meaning 17,000 fewer victims.
30 March 2010
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
