Crime Victims Scheme

A scheme for victims of crime to tell courts how their lives have been affected is to be rolled out across Scotland. Under the plans, victims will have the opportunity to tell the court the emotional, financial and medical impact the crime has had on them.

The statements will be made after a culprit has been found guilty but before they are sentenced.

A source close to Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson, right, said: “One of Labour’s greatest achievements in the Scottish Parliament has been the reform of our criminal justice system and the way the needs of victims have been put first and foremost. Cathy wants to underline this before the election by announcing the national roll-out scheme in the next few weeks.”