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Lord Bonomy outlines membership of his reference group set up to look at additional safeguards.

Membership of the group set up to consider additional safeguards and changes in practice that might be needed in Scotland’s criminal justice system when the corroboration requirement is abolished - has been announced yesterday.

The Right Hon Lord Bonomy has approached a range of experts with experience of working in Scotland’s criminal justice system to join the group, with the following names now confirmed:

• Rt Hon Lady Dorrian

• Sheriff Michael O'Grady QC

• Sheriff Norman McFadyen

• Ian Cruickshank

• David McKenna, Victim Support Scotland

• Joe Moyes, Scottish Court Service

• DCC Iain Livingstone, Police Scotland

• Shelagh McCall, Scottish Human Rights Commission

• J D Murray Macara QC

• Murdo MacLeod QC

• Jane Farquharson, Advocate

• Frances McMenamin, SCCRC

• Sir Gerald Gordon

• Charles Stoddart

• Professor James Chalmers

• Professor Pamela Ferguson

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill welcomed today’s announcement:

“The reference group has a prestigious membership list made up from respected individuals from Scotland’s legal field and criminal justice system, as well as representation on victims and human rights. I have no doubt that their knowledge and experience will be invaluable in ensuring a comprehensive look at what additional safeguards and changes are required in our criminal justice system.

“The removal of corroboration is long overdue. Lord Carloway’s review, police, prosecutors and victims support groups have all stressed that it is a barrier to justice for victims in too many cases – cases which could be prosecuted in any other jurisdiction. Indeed, Scotland is the only country in the world to have this outdated requirement.

“I have always been clear that we are willing to listen and to work with experts and interested parties on building further safeguards into our reforms. I accept that many of the issues highlighted to the Justice Committee are based on genuine concern about the future operation of our system following abolition of the corroboration requirement.

“I am confident that the Review by Lord Bonomy and his team will answer those concerns by carrying out a robust and thorough exploration of any additional safeguards which may be required once the corroboration requirement is abolished. I have made clear to the Parliament that the corroboration reform will not be brought into force until Parliament has approved any changes brought forward in light of any recommendations made by Lord Bonomy.

Further changes to the future composition of the group may be made in light of the development of its work.

Notes to editors

Mr MacAskill announced on February 6, that Lord Bonomy had been appointed to lead this work. For further information and details on the terms of reference of the group see:

http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Group-to-examine-corroboration-safeguards-8fe.aspx