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Legal Matters
Scotland
End secret plea deals now

John Swinney has been urged to end secret plea deals in Scottish courts, which deny victims true justice. Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay highlighted the need for victims to be informed and consulted when prosecutors offer plea deals, stating: "That practice can result in very serious charges being watered down or dropped altogether." He cited the case of Keith Rollinson, whose killer received a lesser charge of culpable homicide after a plea deal. Findlay proposed amendments to the Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, advocating for victims to have a say in plea deals and to be notified when such deals are made. While Swinney acknowledged the need for justice, he maintained that prosecution and sentencing are independent matters. Findlay also called for victims to have a greater role in the Scottish Sentencing Council, which currently has limited representation for victims' issues.

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