'Squeal deals' for police informants aimed at netting crime bosses

Published on Monday 27 March 2006 01:53

CRIMINALS who inform on their friends could be given FBI-style "squeal deal" incentives by police in an effort to crackdown on the bosses behind big-time organised crime.

Under new police plans, criminals could be given written contracts guaranteeing a reduced sentence if they give information that could lead to the prosecution of others.

They must first plead guilty to qualify, and will receive reduced sentences in return, in a move similar to that offered by the FBI in America.

The measures are part of the Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill that could come into force as early as June. Ministers hope the formal plea bargains, which are being offered by the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency and the new Serious and Organised Crime Agency, will encourage criminals to co-operate.

Only one per cent of offenders in drug trafficking cases in Britain turn Queen's evidence, while in America criminals help in 26 per cent of cases.

Under the deal, an offender will win a reduced sentence if he has an "assistance agreement" from a prosecutor.

In deciding the length of sentence, courts will take into account the extent and nature of the assistance. Similar provisions will be introduced in England and Wales on 3 April, under the Serious and Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.

However, some legal experts believe it will lead to more miscarriages of justice, with fears that criminals could offload the blame on to others.

Bill Aitken, MSP, the Conservatives' justice spokesman, questioned the need to make the practice formal, when it had been used by prosecutors in Scotland "for years".

Mr Aitken said: "This government cannot leave anything alone. It is absolutely amazing what has to be written into law these days because, basically, those at the top level have no experience of life.

"This should not be included in the act and it will further highlight those who cooperate with prosecutors and will lead to them being the subject of further reprisals," Mr Aitken added.