Tory leader Russell Findlay challenges ministers on ‘Victorian secrecy’ of parole system

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has blasted the “Victorian secrecy” of the parole system ahead of a hearing which could see the man who threw acid in his face released from jail.

Findlay said while he knows a parole hearing for his attacker, William Burns, will take place on Wednesday, he does not now where it will take place or who will be present at it.

He also said he would not be told the reasons why his attacker would be granted or denied parole.

Burns was given a 15-year sentence in 2017, with the judge ordering him to spend ten years in custody before spending a five years under supervision after his release.

In Scotland, prisoners sentenced to four years or more in jail become eligible to be considered for parole after having served half of their sentence.

But Findlay hit out at the current system, saying: “If SNP ministers genuinely wanted to help crime victims, they would start by dragging the parole system into the 21st century.”

The Tory, who was working as a journalist when the attack took place in 2015, told The Scotsman neewspaper: “Scotland’s parole process remains rooted in Victorian era secrecy, which is incompatible with a justice system that purports to value transparency and victims’ rights.”

Findlay added: “All that I’m allowed to know is that a parole hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. But its location, and the identity of those involved, are a secret.

“Neither am I allowed to know what evidence will be lead, which means that it cannot be tested. Finally, I also won’t be told the reasons for granting or denying parole.”

Burns had posed as a postman before throwing sulphuric acid at Findlay at his Glasgow home in what Judge Lord Matthews described as being a “vicious, premeditated attack” linked to something the then-journalist had written.

Burns, from Paisley, Renfrewshire, had denied the attack but was found guilty of assault to severe injury and danger of life following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The parole system could work better for everyone, which is why we are making changes through the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill, and why we currently have a public consultation on parole reforms that includes key areas of communication and transparency.

“It will be informed by direct engagement with victims and their families as well as other justice partners. Hearing about direct experience is essential to developing a more person-centred, trauma-informed system.”