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Angela Constance, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Almond Valley Constituency
  • 01506 460403

  • angela.constance.msp@parliament.scot

    Unit 4, Ochil House, Beveridge Square, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6QF

Criminal Justice Committee - Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Scotland Bill

Criminal Justice Committee - Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Scotland Bill

Published date : 19 March, 2025
  • Questions

I support the intention behind amendment 240, which seeks to expand victims’ ability to have their voices heard by the court by making an impact statement about how a crime has affected them physically, emotionally and financially. A previous consultation was carried out on the issue, the findings of which made it clear that there is an appetite for change, such as widening the list of eligible offences and piloting new ways for victim statements to be made. There was also support for moving to a position in which all victims should be able to make a statement in all cases.

Currently, as Mr Greene said, the right to make a statement, which the judge must take into account in considering sentencing, is limited to certain offences in solemn procedure. I am very supportive of moving beyond that position, but there are significant operational and resource considerations, particularly for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, which co-ordinates the process of contacting victims and ensuring that the statement is available to the court, and is responsible for ensuring that statements do not contain any inappropriate material. There are also considerations for victim support organisations, as composing a statement can be difficult for victims because it involves asking them to revisit the most traumatic aspects of the crime.


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    • www.angelaconstance.scot

    • 01506 460403

    • angela.constance.msp@parliament.scot

      Unit 4, Ochil House, Beveridge Square, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6QF

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