Justice Denied: Acid Attack Victim Demands Transparency in Parole Process

In a recent development that raises significant concerns about parole transparency, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay expressed relief that the man who attacked him with acid ten years ago will remain incarcerated for a while longer. Findlay, who was an investigative journalist at the Sun newspaper, endured a brutal assault at his Glasgow home in December 2015 when William Burns, disguised as a postman, threw sulphuric acid in his face.

Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Findlay recalled that Burns had distracted him under the pretense of signing a document, exploiting Findlay’s moment of vulnerability to inflict the attack. Fortunately, he was able to wash off the acid quickly, avoiding severe injuries. Findlay was instrumental in detaining Burns until law enforcement arrived, highlighting the danger posed by the attacker, who had a long criminal history, including a previous 15-year sentence for a post office robbery that involved shooting a woman.

The news of Burns’ denial for parole came as Findlay criticized the lack of transparency in the parole system. He lamented that victims like him are often left in the dark about crucial details, such as the composition of the parole board and the evidence presented against the offender, which he believes undermines their rights and hinders accountability in the justice process.

Findlay called for a radical overhaul of Scotland’s criminal justice system, specifically addressing the need to treat victims with respect and improve information sharing. He argued that early releases of prisoners could erode public confidence in legal outcomes and cited instances from other parts of the UK where crime victims are allowed to attend parole hearings — a practice he believes should be adopted in Scotland.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged the need for reform and indicated that changes have already begun with the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill, which aims to enhance victim safety considerations in parole decisions. She emphasized the ongoing consultation efforts aimed at improving the system’s responsiveness to victims’ needs and ensuring their trauma is taken into account.

Findlay’s experience and advocacy reveal a pressing call for reform in how the justice system approaches crime victim rights and transparency, underlining the need for modernizing practices to serve the interests of justice more effectively.