Sheriff criticises delay in sentence reports

Bail for sex offender in breach of probation as background reports not delivered

News, 1 September 2005

---

A Perth sheriff has criticised failures in the justice system after granting bail to a convicted sex offender.

Releasing Steven Grant after social workers failed to complete a report on him on time, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said the justice system needed to get its act together. The sheriff described the situation as "most unfortunate" particularly in the light of recent media coverage - seen as a reference to reporting of sex offender issues in the wake of the Rory Blackhall murder.

Grant was found guilty in May of breaching a probation order imposed in 2003 for sex crimes committed in the 1980s. He had sexually abused five girls during a six-year period from 1980 to 1986, but avoided custody because he had been a teenager at the time of the offences.

Reports had been called for in July but had still not been prepared, "it appears through no fault of the accused", said Sheriff Foulis. Sentence was further deferred until 5 October so that the community service and social background reports could be prepared.

Grant's solicitor John McLaughlin said his client had never received any notification from the social work department. He said staff had confirmed the letter to Grant had been typed, but might not have been sent.

Current News 05.09.08 PM changes tack on tax-raising powers Allowing Scottish Parliament more accountability would strengthen the UK, says Brown 05.09.08 Summary justice reform success, claims Angiolini Lord Advocate's letter says figures to date indicate new system working 04.09.08 Advocates in Aberdeen launch new website Internet presence aimed at increasing awareness of Society of Advocates in the north east 04.09.08 Legal profession, local income tax top bill list Scottish Government unveils legislative programme for 2008-09 04.09.08 Step up to associate for Fife lawyer Sue Arrowsmith promoted at Murray Donald Drummond Cook LLP 04.09.08 Prosecution inspectorate publishes annual report Review pending of new fiscal fine system 03.09.08 Society welcomes Legal Profession Bill Hopes that bill will provide for alternative business structures for law firms 03.09.08 'No proof that plaques harmful': insurance lawyers Industry's legal team argue against proposed law extending compensation 03.09.08 Commissioner orders release of tender information Council not justified in claim that Street Outreach documents must be kept secret 02.09.08 Stamp duty break for lower value properties 12-month threshold of £175,000 among government moves to buck up housing market 01.09.08 Government publishes sentencing proposals Judges and sheriffs would need to reveal reasons for departing from guidelines 01.09.08 Revenue reminds of new tax return date 31 October now deadline for paper returns 01.09.08 Blackadders' review results in 44 job losses Two branches also close as firm consolidates to combat property market troubles 01.09.08 Area procurator fiscal appointment for Central Michelle Macleod takes on new role 01.09.08 Partner catch for Ledingham Chalmers Neil Anderson appointed, while Marysia Lewis takes up floating sheriff appointment