McNeil writes to Justice Secretary over Pet’s Corner attack

Press Release, 19th June, 2015

McNeil  writes to Justice Secretary over Pet’s Corner attack

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has written to  Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, requesting a review into the law which has prevented the prime suspect for the Pets’ Corner attack from being prosecuted.

The suspect was arrested and charged by Police in April 2013 under Section 19 (1) of the animal legislation. However, a statutory provision of the act is subject to a six month time bar, meaning that criminal proceedings must be raised within six months from the date of the offence. As a result, the suspect cannot not be brought to justice.

In his letter to the Minister Duncan McNeil said:

“The Inverclyde community feel extremely let down by a justice system that has not prosecuted the prime suspect for this crime.”

“Please could you act to ensure that this anomaly in the law is addressed so that perpetrators who commit similar crimes do not escape justice.”