Clydebank public should make views heard on sentencing in court in new consultation, MSP Gil urges

MSP Gil Paterson has urged the Clydebank public to take part in a Scottish courts consultation.

The Scottish Sentencing Council is launching the public opinion drive on new guidelines are sentenced by courts.

It is aimed at assisting judges in court and to help the public better understand how sentences are decided.

The consultation will run until October 27 and is available on the SSC website.

Mr Paterson said: “I know fine well the people of Clydebank have a lot to contribute when it comes to critiquing the sentences of criminals and matters of justice.

“From sentences on small crimes to high profile cases, there is always some form of discussion and passionate input from local people.

“The Clydebank Post does an excellent job of covering Dumbarton Sheriff Court, and we have constant coverage of relevant high court cases as well. There is often a lot of discussion between readers on individual court reports.

 “I encourage the Clydebank public are able to take part in this and help inform our judges on how justice is dealt.”

ENDS

From Gil Paterson MSP by Alan Ferguson (07342 061722)

Notes to reporter:

Overview:

Although some guidance on appropriate sentences in particular cases is available in the form of court decisions, the fundamental principles and purposes of sentencing in Scotland have not been expressly defined in any single piece of legislation or court judgment. The Scottish Sentencing Council's first draft guideline, the Principles and Purposes of Sentencing, aims to set out clearly both the principles underlying sentencing decisions and the overarching purposes of sentencing.

The guideline is intended to:

• provide judges and the public with a clear statement about the aims of current sentencing practice in the Scottish courts
• increase transparency by providing the public with an understanding of the approach taken by judges when deciding decisions
• promote consistency in the approaches taken by judges to sentencing

Consultation Link: https://www.scottishsentencingcouncil.org.uk/consultations/principles-and-purposes-of-sentencing

​Background: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-40776312