Sex abuser in legal bid to overturn sentencing rules

A SEX abuser who was part of an Edinburgh paedophile ring is bidding to overturn rules keeping some of Scotland's most notorious criminals behind bars.

Morris Petch, 53, was given life with an order to serve at least 12 years for his role in the sexual abuse of two young sisters who were repeatedly raped by a group of around 15 family members and friends.

Petch is mounting his legal challenge along with Robert Foye, 31, who was also given life with a minimum sentence of nine years for attacking a teenager in woodland while on the run from prison.

Since 2001 prisoners given life sentences for murder - or in other cases where they are considered to pose a high risk to public safety - are also given a "punishment part". This is supposed to take account of "retribution and deterrence" - leaving questions of public safety to the parole board.

Chris Shead, counsel for both Petch and Foye, told the appeal court that there had to be an element of comparative justice.