FMQs: Nicola Sturgeon under fire over 'lack of action' for crime victims

The Scottish Government has come under fire over a lack of action to help crime victims, despite pledging greater measures to address the issue.

Ruth Davidson raised concerns at Holyrood today

Tory leader Ruth Davidson raised concerns today at First Minister’s Questions on behalf of the family of Michelle Stewart who was stabbed to death at the age of 17 near her home in Ayrshire by her ex-boyfriend John Wilson in 2008.

Ms Davidson pointed to shortcomings in measures such as the Victims Surcharge Fund and notification schemes about the release of offenders which were introduced after the case.

Nicola Sturgeon insisted that the Government would consider further action to support victims.

The family of Ms Stewart held talks with Ms Davidson today, MSPs heard.

But the Tory leader said the family had complained of a "very little action" from Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf during the talks.

Quoting the family, Ms Davidson added: "It's now been two years since we met him about this and when he promised to take action. It's time he delivered on that."

Mr Yousaf is now scheduled to meet the Stewart family again next week.

Ms Davidson said the Victim Surcharge Fund, created as a penalty on criminals who are ordered to pay a court fine, has seen a third of the payments due yet to be collected.

The Victim Notification Scheme was also introduced to give victims information on those who offended against them is important. But Ms Davidson said one in four victims had yet to sign up for it amid claims from support bodies it was "overcomplicated."

But Ms Sturgeon said she was ready to listen to victims and "reflect on other steps that can be taken."

She added: "We must always seek to make sure not just that the voice of victims of crime is heard, but their experiences help to inform further reforms in the justice system.

"In any justice system the rights of the accused are important, everybody recognises that but we must make sure that we have a system that reflects the needs and experiences of those who are the victims of crime and where changes are required, the Government has not and will not shy away from making those."

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