By Bill Heaney
Those found guilty of violent sexual crimes such as rape against a child should receive custodial sentences as the default position regardless of their age, Scottish Labour has said today.
The party is calling for an end to confusion over Prison policy for 18-25 year olds and a review of custody policy in rape cases.
The party’s intervention comes in the wake of rapist Sean Hogg receiving a community payback order after being found guilty of raping a 13 year-old girl.
Currently, guidance states that those found guilty who are under the age of 25 should have a presumption against receiving custodial sentences.
In addition, Scottish Labour has said that there are questions to be asked over why the age of the defendant was taken fully into consideration but the much younger age of the victim seems to have been disregarded.
Scottish Labour has said that custodial sentences are appropriate for those found guilty of violent sexual crimes and that, as a society, we must have zero-tolerance for violence against women and girls.
Scottish Labour justice spokesperson Pauline McNeill, pictured right, said: “Like thousands of other Scots, I was deeply concerned to hear that a rapist did not receive a custodial sentence for his heinous crime.
“As a society we must have zero-tolerance for violent sexual crimes against women and girls.
“It is simply wrong that someone who commits such a vile crime is not seriously considered for a custodial sentence.
“We need answers now from the Scottish Government over whether ministers approved of the guidelines which led to this individual receiving a community payback order.”
Top picture: The High Court at Glasgow, where Hogg was sentenced to a payback order.