Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has voiced concerns about his safety and the broader implications for victims of organized crime following the release of William Burns, a hitman known for throwing acid at Findlay. Findlay stated that while family and friends had expressed concerns about his safety, he believes Burns was a target for wider crime networks, making his imprisonment largely a matter of academic interest regarding his personal safety.
Findlay criticized Scotland's parole process, describing it as "shrouded in secrecy" and asserting that the justice system "has no real regard for the victim." He stated he has no intention of forgiving Burns, characterizing the attack as "calculated" and "very targeted and extreme," with the potential for fatal or life-altering consequences. Findlay identified Burns as an "enforcer" for a significant organized crime group in Scotland that has caused "untold damage to many innocent people."
Furthermore, Findlay urged police and prosecutors to investigate unsolved murders in Paisley during the 1990s, suggesting that Burns may have "questions to answer" in connection with these cold cases. He indicated that organized crime groups might still have "unfinished business" with him, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by such networks.