A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
23rd October 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Scottish ministers unable to assess sex offence appeal numbers
The Scottish Government has told MSPs it cannot determine how many convicted sex offenders, if any, may have grounds for appeal following a Supreme Court ruling on evidence admissible in sexual offence trials. The judgment found that Scotland’s rape shield laws had been interpreted too restrictively, potentially undermining defendants’ right to a fair trial. The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) has received 44 applications relating to the ruling, up from 15 in March, and expects the number of affected cases to be large. Officials have discussed the possibility of a group challenge similar to the Post Office Horizon scandal. Former Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain and former justice secretary Angela Constance warned the ruling could cause delays, adjournments and appeals across the justice system.

 
CRIME
Fifteen arrested over immigration offences
Operation Lockstream has led to the arrest of 15 individuals for immigration offences at Loch Ryan and Cairnryan ports. Over two weeks, police engaged with 340 people, resulting in arrests of individuals aged 20 to 54. A 55-year-old man was arrested for facilitating immigration, while a 36-year-old was charged with drug offences after police seized £950 worth of drugs. Detective Superintendent Steven Bertram stated: “We are committed to protecting vulnerable individuals and those at risk from organised immigration crime.” Scottish justice secretary Neil Gray welcomed the operation's results, highlighting its role in safeguarding vulnerable people.

 
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INDUSTRY
Campaign aims to ease rape survivors’ court anxieties
Rape survivors Sarah Lee and Kayla Poulton have launched CourtRobe, a campaign to help women feel confident when giving evidence in sexual assault trials. Working with the Emma Ritch Law Clinic at the University of Glasgow, they are seeking clothing donations and vouchers from Scottish department stores, alongside trauma-informed staff training and free personal shopping sessions. The initiative aims to ease concerns about appearance and limited finances. Rape Crisis Scotland supports the project, citing evidence that jurors may judge witnesses’ credibility based on their clothing.
CASES
Lockerbie bombing suspect loses bid to have US trial dismissed
A US judge has rejected Abu Agila Mas'ud al-Marimi’s bid to dismiss his trial over the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, which killed 270 people. Marimi, accused of building the bomb that destroyed Pan Am Flight 103, argued he was illegally abducted from Libya and transferred to US custody in 2022. The judge ruled that the circumstances of his removal did not prevent the case proceeding. His trial is scheduled for January in Washington. Marimi denies involvement in the attack.
Former Scotland rugby international to stand trial over rape charges
Former Scotland rugby international Tim Visser is to stand trial accused of rape, controlling behaviour and abuse against a woman between 2010 and 2024. The allegations include non-consensual intimate images, threatening behaviour and controlling her appearance, finances, diet and movements. Visser denies no charges in the report.
Trump ordered to testify in defamation case
US Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett has ordered President Donald Trump to provide a deposition in his defamation lawsuit against the BBC by December 11. The BBC's attorney, Charles Tobin, expressed frustration over the delays, saying: "We still haven't been able to depose the plaintiff."
PRISONS
Inquiry launched into prisoner's death
George Metcalff, who was serving a life sentence for murder, has died in custody at the age of 72. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has launched a mandatory Fatal Accident Inquiry into his death at the Golden Jubilee Hospital in August 2024. A preliminary hearing is due to take place at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on December 1. Metcalff was jailed for life for murdering Patricia Henry in 2017. He concealed her body in an attempt to evade justice, and her remains have never been found.
THE LAW
Green activists seek legal recognition of polyamory
Scottish Green Party activists will propose teaching schoolchildren that polyamorous relationships are no less valid than traditional couples and seeking legal recognition for multi-partner relationships. A motion from the Greens of Colour group to be debated at the Scottish Green Party’s conference this weekend argues relationship education should reflect diverse romantic and non-romantic arrangements.
INTERNATIONAL
ICC wins EU's top human rights prize
The International Criminal Court (ICC) received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from the EU, marking a significant endorsement amid US sanctions. This award follows the ICC's issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli officials. Roberta Metsola, European Parliament president, said: "This prize recognises the important work of the court in upholding international law and justice." MEPs are urging the EU to protect ICC officials from US sanctions.
OTHER
Homeless death reports could become biennial
National Records of Scotland (NRS) is proposing to publish homeless deaths statistics every two years instead of annually, despite 231 people dying while homeless in 2024, a 48% increase since tracking began in 2017. Glasgow recorded 36 deaths that year, with almost 300 over five years. Scottish Labour housing spokesman Mark Griffin criticised the proposal, saying regular, robust data was essential during a housing emergency. The changes form part of a wider review of official statistics, including less frequent dementia and household data releases. A six-week public consultation will inform final decisions.

 

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