Crime victims expect justice, but for some, the fight doesn’t end with a conviction.
Many seek a say in whether their offenders are granted parole.
However, concerns are now being raised after several victims have been barred from attending parole hearings.
Officials claim their presence could harm the prisoner’s mental health or disrupt the process, leaving victims feeling sidelined and powerless.
Ellie Wilson’s Battle for Transparency
Rape survivor Ellie Wilson has become the face of this issue after being denied access to her attacker’s parole hearing.
Wilson, who has met with First Minister John Swinney to express her concerns, was shocked to learn she could not attend the proceedings.
The justification? Parole board officials deemed her presence “not in the interests of justice.”
She also alleged being asked to sign a gagging order to prevent her from discussing the hearing’s details, sparking further outrage over transparency in Scotland’s parole system.
Political Criticism and Calls for Change
Scottish Conservative victims spokesperson Sharon Dowey strongly criticized the decision, calling it another example of Scotland’s justice system failing victims.
She argued that transparency should be a priority and that victims should play a central role in parole decisions.
Many believe the system currently favors offenders over those who have suffered at their hands.
Official Justifications: Confidentiality and Mental Health Concerns
The Parole Board for Scotland (PBS) defended its stance, citing multiple reasons for refusing victims entry.
Some hearings, they claim, involve highly sensitive and confidential matters that should not be publicly disclosed.
Other justifications include concerns over the offender’s mental health and the possibility of victims disrupting the proceedings.
Since May 2023, 108 victims have requested to observe parole hearings—102 were allowed, but six were denied.
A Personal Fight for Justice
Wilson’s case is particularly striking.
Her ex-partner, Daniel McFarlane, was sentenced to five years in 2022 after she recorded him confessing to raping her.
The attacks occurred in 2017 and 2018 while he was a student.
Despite the damning evidence and the trauma she endured, Wilson was denied access to his parole hearing.
She shared her frustration on social media, posting a screenshot of the PBS’s response.
The board acknowledged her request but stated that, after considering objections from McFarlane’s lawyer, they decided against her attendance.
The decision has left many questioning the balance between a criminal’s rights and the rights of their victims.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
First Minister John Swinney and Justice Secretary Angela Constance have acknowledged victims’ concerns.
Swinney admitted it was “odd” that Wilson was denied access to the hearing, while Constance reaffirmed the importance of listening to victims.
However, the Scottish Government insists it cannot interfere with PBS decisions.
The situation has ignited debates about victim rights in Scotland’s justice system.
Many argue that excluding victims from crucial hearings undermines their role in the process.
As discussions continue, advocates are pushing for reforms to ensure victims are no longer treated as an afterthought.
The question remains: will the system change, or will victims continue to be silenced?
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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