Legal Matters Scotland
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8th October 2025

A free early morning round up of news for legal professionals across Scotland.
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THE LAW
Bill aims to review domestic abuse tragedies
The Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Bill has been unanimously passed by 115 MSPs. This legislation aims to review deaths linked to domestic abuse, focusing on learning lessons to prevent future tragedies rather than assigning blame. Justice Secretary Angela Constance stated: "Any death in connection with domestic abuse is one too many." The Bill also modernises the justice system, allowing remote court appearances and the use of images as evidence. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on police budgets following the Bill's passage.
SNP questions need for war memorial law
Scottish Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher has proposed a bill to create a new offence for desecrating war memorials, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison. The bill aims to address the emotional and cultural significance of these memorials, which are currently protected under existing laws like vandalism. However, Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, expressed doubts about the necessity of new legislation, stating that current laws are sufficient. Gallacher responded, emphasising the need for tougher measures to protect memorials dedicated to fallen heroes.
Prostitution survivor demands urgent law change
Diane Martin, a Scottish prostitution survivor, is advocating for legal reform during a session with Holyrood's criminal justice committee. The proposed Bill, introduced by Alba MSP Ash Regan, seeks to implement the Nordic model, which decriminalises selling sex while criminalising its purchase. Martin, who has a background as a "high end" prostitute and now assists others in exiting the industry, emphasised the need to address the exploitation faced by the majority of women trafficked into prostitution.
Sister demands law after tragedy
Lyndsay-Anne Forbes is advocating for Jamie's Law, aimed at ensuring police trace individuals in distress before leaving an area. This follows the tragic death of her brother, Jamie Forbes, who jumped from a 12th-floor flat in Aberdeen to escape a two-day torture ordeal. Witnesses reported hearing his cries for help, but police were unable to locate him and left the scene. Lyndsay-Anne stated: "If it had been implemented and mandatory, they would have saved Jamie. They left him in there to die."

 
STV

Strengthening Legal CPD in Scotland – Denovo's Partnership with RFPG

Denovo have partnered with the Royal Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow (RFPG) to support their renowned CPD Education Programme. This collaboration reflects Denovo's commitment to helping the Scottish legal community stay ahead in a profession that’s constantly evolving.
As part of the programme, Denovo will be delivering an exclusive seminar on AML & Risk Management this October, showcasing practical tools, expert insights, and the latest technology to help firms strengthen compliance and save time.

Read on to discover more about the partnership, the event, and how Denovo are working with RFPG to support legal practitioners across Scotland.

 
TECHNOLOGY
Amnesty warns against facial recognition
Amnesty International has urged the Scottish Government to prohibit live facial recognition (LFR) technology, citing concerns over mass surveillance. In letters to Police Scotland and Justice Secretary Angela Constance, Amnesty stated that LFR violates Scotland's human rights obligations. The technology, which compares images against a police watch list, has not been deployed in Scotland but is under consideration. Liz Thomson, acting Scotland programme director at Amnesty, warned that LFR could lead to invasive monitoring and disproportionately affect marginalised communities. She stated: "The technology is massively invasive and erodes civic spaces."
Children at risk from online abuse
New research has revealed a 1,300% increase in AI-generated online abuse material, with reports rising from 4,700 in 2023 to over 67,000 in 2024. The Into The Light study by Childlight highlights that about 15m children in Western Europe experience online grooming. Childlight CEO Paul Stanfield emphasised the urgent need for better protections, noting that many children face abuse in their own homes. The study also found that around 5m children are sexually assaulted before age 18.



 
HEALTH
Glasgow woman fights for palliative care
Stefanie Tyre is advocating for improved palliative care after her mother, Amanda, died from lung cancer at 47. Amanda received inadequate care in hospital, leading to her transfer to Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow, where she received compassionate end-of-life support. Tyre stated: "She didn't get adequate or proper care in hospital." Marie Curie highlights that 64,500 people die in Scotland annually, with a projected increase to 75,000 in 25 years. The charity calls for legal rights to palliative care for all, as one in four currently lack necessary support.
SOCIAL
Scotland boosts rehab funding by £2m
The Scottish Government has introduced a £2m fund to enhance access to residential rehabilitation for individuals facing addiction challenges. The initiative aims to support alcohol and drug partnerships (ADPs) during periods of high demand. The announcement coincides with concerns over the Right to Recovery (Scotland) Bill, which seeks to establish a legal right to addiction support but faces opposition. Drugs minister Maree Todd stated: "Improving access to residential rehab is a key part of the national mission to reduce drug deaths and improve lives." The fund aims to provide longer placements and better support for those in need.
HOUSING
Scotland's housing crisis deepens for refugees
Màiri McAllan, Scotland's housing secretary, has urged UK ministers for urgent financial support to address the rising homelessness among refugees. The number of foreign nationals applying for homelessness assistance in Scotland has surged by 116% from 2,295 in 2022/23 to 4,960 in 2024/25. McAllan stated: "The housing emergency in Scotland cannot be resolved without the UK Government taking steps." Glasgow, a key asylum dispersal area, is facing unprecedented pressure, with 2,770 of 8,445 homelessness applications in 2024/25 coming from refugees. The Scottish Government calls for a more effective asylum system to support those fleeing persecution.
CASES
Self-styled 'King' arrested over alleged immigration offences
The Daily Record reports that Kofi Offeh, the self-styled 'King' of the so-called Kingdom of Kubala, has been detained on suspicion of immigration offences by the Home Office, while two others living at a site in the Scottish Borders with Mr Offeh have reportedly been placed into Scottish Borders Council accommodation. The three, who had claimed to be reclaiming land stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago, were recently evicted from private land before moving to nearby council-owned woodlands.
Shetland murder trial
Aren Pearson, 41, is on trial for the murder of his partner, Claire Leveque, 24, in Shetland. During a 999 call, Pearson confessed to stabbing her "about 40 times" in a hot tub. The incident allegedly occurred on February 11, 2024, at a garage linked to a property in Sandness. Pearson's mother, Hazel, contacted emergency services after he informed her of the killing.
FRAUD
Scottish man faces fraud charges
Andrew Polson, 53, is on trial for allegedly defrauding Ann Kelly of nearly £200,000 through a property scheme from May 2021 to March 2022. Prosecutors claim he convinced Ms Kelly to invest £40,500 in a Bellshill property without securing her joint title. He also allegedly induced her to pay £146,000 for a Bearsden property and attempted to obtain £20,000 from M&S Bank by impersonating her.
FINANCE
FCA demands £11bn in motor finance payouts
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced a compensation scheme for unfair motor finance agreements, expecting to pay out £11bn to 14m affected individuals. Each claimant could receive an average of £700. The FCA estimates that 85% of eligible consumers will participate, leading to a potential redress of £8.2bn, including interest. Nikhil Rathi, FCA chief executive, said: "Many motor finance lenders did not comply with the law... it's time their customers get fair compensation." The scheme covers agreements from 6 April 2007 to 1 November 2024, where lenders paid commissions to brokers.
MEDIA
Paddington Bear takes legal action
Paddington Bear's rights holder, StudioCanal, has filed a High Court lawsuit against the makers of Spitting Image over a controversial parody. The sketch, featured in Spitting Image: The Rest Is Bulls**, portrays Paddington as a crude, drug-fuelled character. The lawsuit raises concerns about copyright and design rights, although it does not specify damages. The show, which has attracted over 10m viewers since its launch, has faced backlash from fans who feel the depiction disrespects the beloved character. StudioCanal produced the Paddington films and is seeking to protect its intellectual property.
AND FINALLY...
Legalisation of assisted dying debated in Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Union has hosted a debate on the legalisation of assisted dying, attended by students, politicians, and medical experts. Kenneth Gibson of the SNP supported the bill, while Dr Fiona MacCormick and Dr Gordon Macdonald opposed it. Disability rights campaigner Miro Griffiths could not attend due to accessibility issues, highlighting societal barriers for disabled individuals. Griffiths stated: "Disabled people would be disproportionately harmed by an assisted suicide law, yet their voices are being screened out."
 


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