MacAskill keen on justice safeguards

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has indicated he could adopt new safeguards to protect the criminal justice system if the centuries-old rule of corroboration is scrapped.

The rule, unique to Scotland, ensures that all key evidence in a criminal prosecution is backed by two sources and is regarded as an important safeguard against miscarriages of justice.

Removing the rule was among recommendations by Lord Carloway in a Scots law reform package.

Mr MacAskill said: “I am fully committed to listening and reflecting upon all consultation responses that look at how reform can best be achieved, and to bring forward proposals for additional protections that may be needed to create a fair and balanced system.”

Labour MSP Lewis Macdonald welcomed the suggestion of safeguards. The consultation has just over a week to run.