Government announces delay to its plans for corroboration

The Scottish Government has announced a delay in its plans to abolish the requirement for corroboration in criminal cases.

The delay is to allow time for Lord Bonomy to conduct his review into what additional safeguards may be required in the criminal justice system if the requirement for corroboration is removed.

This will mean that the Justice Committee will be able to consider any recommendations from the review as part of its Stage 2 deliberations on the Criminal Justice Bill. Lord Bonomy is currently expected to report on his review in Spring 2015.

Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, said:

“The Scottish Government remains firmly committed to all aspects of the Criminal Justice Bill, including our proposals to abolish the requirement for corroboration – which as I have said time and again, is a barrier to justice for too many victims of crimes which are committed behind closed doors, such as rape and domestic abuse.

“However, we have also made clear our willingness to listen to constructive proposals in relation to this key legislation. That is why we gave careful consideration to - and in the spirit of co-operation have accepted - the suggestion from opposition members that Stage 2 should commence after Lord Bonomy’s review has been completed.”

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