Russell Findlay: My attacker would have been out years earlier under 'reckless' SNP plans
Mr Findlay was the victim of a doorstep acid attack while working as an investigative journalist in 2015
The hitman who attacked Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay with acid on his doorstep in Glasgow in 2015 would have been let out of prison years earlier under the SNP’s latest early release plans, the politician has warned.
William Burns was released last week after being sentenced to 10 years in jail for the attack, as well as a further five years under supervision upon release from custody.
However, Mr Findlay said the SNP’s proposals, which were published in June just before Holyrood broke for its summer recess, would see long-term prisoners like Burns automatically released after serving only two-thirds of their sentence.
This means Burns, who was denied parole on five separate occasions during his time in jail, would have been freed after only six or seven years, the Tory leader said.
Mr Findlay was working as an investigative journalist specialising in organised crime when he was targeted in 2015. Burns, who was disguised as a postman, threw acid in his face and tried to stab him with a knife.
Earlier this year, Mr Findlay told The Scotsman he still takes safety precautions in his daily life.
The SNP’s plans, under consultation until August 20, include a number of proposals made by an independent commission, released earlier this year, such as expanding the presumption against short sentences from 12 months to 24.
They would also see the definition of “short-term sentences” increased to less than five years, instead of four, allowing those serving a sentence of under five years to be released after just 30 per cent of their term.
Scotland’s prison estate has struggled with overcrowding in recent years, with 8,453 people currently locked up in a system with a capacity of 7,805.
Two new prisons are currently under construction in Glasgow and the Highlands, but the latter will be delayed until next spring as a result of “construction issues”.
The Scottish Prison Service has been instructed to “exhaust all options” to maximise the capacity of the existing estate, including building temporary structures to house prisoners.
Mr Findlay said the SNP’s approach to justice betrays victims and exposes the public to more dangerous criminals.
“We oppose the SNP's reckless bid to free long-term prisoners after serving just two-thirds of their sentences,” he said.
“It means that thugs like William Burns will be let out automatically even when it's known they're a danger to the public.
“The parole board blocked Burns from being released on at least five separate occasions but the SNP clearly think they know better.
“John Swinney's relentless political meddling in relation to sentencing is an attack on judicial independence and deceitful to the public.
“The SNP's weak approach also betrays crime victims, exposes the public to increased danger and undermines Scotland's brave police officers.”
The Scottish government has been contacted for comment.
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