Families of slain Scots 'confident' over parole rule changes
Arlene Fraser's sister Carol Gillies spoke to reporters. (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA wire) Family members of Arlene Fraser, who vanished from her home in 1998, and Suzanne Pilley, who went missing in 2010, spoke to reporters at a Victim Support Scotland press conference Wednesday afternoon.
The remains of both women have never been found, despite Arlene's husband Nat Fraser and Suzanne's ex-partner David Gilroy being convicted of their murders.
Fraser, who was twice found guilty of Arlene's murder, is eligible for parole in October 2028, while Gilroy, who was convicted of Susanne's murder in 2012, is eligible in March 2030.
Arlene's sister Carol Gillies told reporters: 'Nat disposed of Arlene in a very ruthless and efficient way. And to just have Nat Fraser in front of the parole board and all they have to consider is the risk or how he behaved in jail, it's just not enough.
'If he was to get out, then that information would be gone forever. I believe that Nat Fraser has more information. Perhaps he doesn't know where the body is, if there is a body. But he certainly controlled this, he was the ringleader.
Suzanne's sister Gail Fairgrieve added: 'The parole board needs to understand that this crime is still continuing. He's perpetrating a crime against us. We're still dealing with this every day.
"I go into a card shop, and I can't buy anything for my sister. He has information that could just put us at ease and bring Suzanne home.
'With this ruling, they now have to consider that he can't possibly be rehabilitated or show remorse if he's continuing to withhold this information. This information is a full part of his crime. Otherwise, life imprisonment means life imprisonment.'
Asked how she felt after years of attempting to bring about a change in the law, Ms Fairgrieve said: 'It seems like a win in the sense that the regulations will be changed. But we're still lost. You know, there's still a part of us that's lost.
'There's a life that wasn't led. With our sister, with our daughter. So you know, we're happy that people are listening and appreciating the story that we're telling.'
Suzanne Pilley's sister Gail Fairgrieve (R). (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA wire) Ms Gillies added: 'Doors are opening, I feel. It's a hard system to understand, but doors are starting to open now and it will get listened to.'
In a statement, Angela Constance MSP said: 'I am grateful to the families of Suzanne Pilley and Arlene Fraser for meeting with me today.
'They have suffered heartbreaking losses, compounded by not knowing the final resting place of their loved ones. My deepest sympathies remain with them.
'In March, I supported an amendment to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill that will mean the Parole Board, when making decisions about release, must take account of whether a prisoner has information about the disposal of a victim's remains, but has not disclosed it.
'At today's meeting, I reiterated my firm commitment to this change, which will become law if the Bill is passed in Parliament.'
Kate Wallace, the CEO of Victim Support Scotland, said: "Legislatively, this amendment would bring Scotland in line with England and Wales, which have already enacted the equivalent Helen's Law. It would also support the proposals for a corresponding Charlotte's Law in Northern Ireland.
"While she cannot guarantee it herself, we are pleased that Angela Constance has reassured the family of her steadfast support of the amendment."
Read more:
David Gilroy guilty of Suzanne Pilley murder
Family of murder victim Arlene Fraser fear her body will never be found
Angela Constance: Scotland facing 'critical risk' from overcrowding in prisons
Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene, who defected from the Conservative Party in April, proposed 'Suzanne's Law' as an amendment to the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill, which is currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament.
Holyrood's Criminal Justice Committee voted to include the amendment at Stage 2 of the bill, which is expected to be voted on before the end of this parliamentary term.
Mr Greene said: 'My amendment to the Victims Witnesses and Justice Reform Bill that requires the parole board to take into account a murderer's failure to disclose their victims remains is a welcome step toward creating a system that properly respects the rights of those victims, I have never tired of standing up for victims and their families throughout my time as an MSP.
'I will be bringing forward further measures to improve the experience of victims throughout the criminal justice system as this Bill approaches its final stage in Parliament and I encourage all parties, including the Scottish Government, to support them and work with me constructively and pragmatically to see the law change in Scotland and swing the balance of justice back towards victims.'
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