First Minister John Swinney has declined to commit to preventing violent offenders who attack women from receiving bail or early release from prison. His response came during the first First Minister's Questions of the new Holyrood term, amidst concerns over recent high-profile killings in Scotland.
Opposition leaders pressed Swinney on the issue, citing the deaths of Stacy Hunter, 35, and Samantha Lee, 54. Hunter was killed by her estranged husband, Jim Mair, three weeks after he was released on bail while facing accusations of strangling her. Mair subsequently died by suicide. Lee was killed by her partner, Joseph Greer, while he was under a court order prohibiting him from approaching her; Greer was later sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay called for the reinstatement of a statutory presumption against bail for individuals accused of violent, sexual, or domestic abuse offenses, a measure that was repealed in 2023. He also urged Swinney to reject automatic early release for men convicted of violence against women after serving two-thirds of their sentence. Findlay highlighted that the government's own consultation document acknowledged this policy "could have an impact" on victims.
Swinney stated his willingness to meet with Findlay and victims of such crimes, emphasizing his commitment to providing "personal leadership" on tackling violence against women and girls. He acknowledged that the experiences in Scotland over the summer have been "appalling" and require remedy. He pledged to ensure a combination of measures, including addressing criminal justice aspects and communicating the unacceptability of violence against women and girls throughout society.
Scottish Labour acting leader Dame Jackie Baillie raised concerns about rising sexual crimes, rape, and domestic abuse, as well as delays in convictions. She referenced the 2021 murder of Claire Inglis, who was killed by her boyfriend Christopher McGowan while he was on bail to her address, and noted Hunter's family had called for GPS tracking of offenders on bail. Baillie demanded a clear timeline for implementing "life-saving changes."
Swinney acknowledged that the cases prompt concern regarding individuals being on bail and able to commit further crimes. He mentioned that pilot work on GPS tracking is underway and that progress is a priority. However, Baillie pressed for a timetable, stating that "women's lives are being lost whilst it is not in place."
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton brought up the murder of Vikki Soloman, who was killed by her ex-partner Lee Greenan after police reportedly did not attend a call for assistance. Soloman's ex-partner later died in custody. Cole-Hamilton described a "pattern" of women being "horrifically let down by the system" with fatal consequences, asking if the government would act with urgency.
Following these exchanges, Swinney's official spokesperson indicated a desire to work constructively but stated that decisions on early release for domestic abusers and sex offenders would depend on the outcome of the recently closed consultation process.