PRESS RELEASE

July 3rd, 2008

MSP throws weight behind sentencing council plans

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has backed proposals for a National Sentencing Council – a body which could ultimately deliver stringent penalties for knife carriers.

A report by the Scottish Prisons Commission published this week called for the creation of a central body to deliver consistent and effective sentencing throughout Scotland.

First Minister Alex Salmond had previously linked the future of Damian’s Law to the findings of the commission and the possibility of a NSC.

If created, the one of the body’s first jobs could be to consider imposing mandatory prison terms on all knife carriers.

Last night, Mr McNeil pressed for the recommendations to be implemented as soon as possible.

He also called for the victims of crime – like John Muir – to have their say on the NSC.

He said: “Too many of our young people are dying on the streets at the hands of knife carriers and urgent action must be taken before it spirals out of control.

“A National Sentencing Council was named in both the Labour and SNP manifestos as an appropriate way to bring sentencing powers across the country into line.

“That was a year ago and I believe this is the correct forum for the debate on how to deal with knife carriers.

“This is an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed and I will be pressing for the establishment of a National Sentencing Council.

“It also important that the victims of crime are given a voice on any future council and it isn’t just closed to sheriffs and lawyers.

“This should be a partnership where people like John Muir who know the full impact of knife crime can have their opinion heard.”

ENDS