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McLeish comments on protection from Harassment Act 1997 - McKinnon case
26/02/1998
Henry McLeish, Scottish Office Home Affairs Minister, today commented on yesterday's Appeal Court decision in the case of McKinnon.
Speaking at the launch in Edinburgh of an information leaflet for victims of crime, Mr McLeish said:
"I have today asked Scottish Office officials to carefully examine, as a matter of urgency, the court's opinion in order to determine whether it requires the Government to consider amending the law. If indeed there is are problems with the law, then we will act swiftly to deal with them.
"The Government's prime concern is to ensure that victims of harassment receive the protection they are entitled to under the law. We have already demonstrated our determination to deal firmly with all forms of anti-social behaviour through the provisions in the Crime and Disorder Bill.
"What is of crucial importance to me, however, is that women in Scotland must be able to live their lives free from the fear of crime and harassment on the streets, and in their homes. The safety of the individual must be paramount, and we will do everything in our power to ensure this."
News Release: 0383/98
February 26, 1998