Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many persons have been convicted of murder and subsequently found innocent since the abolition of capital punishment; and how many were given a free pardon;
(2) how many persons convicted of murder since 1965 and later found innocent received compensation; and what were the sums involved.
Mr. AncramSince the abolition of capital punishment in 1965, two persons convicted of murder in Scotland have had their sentences reviewed. In one case a free pardon was granted, and in the other the conviction was quashed following a reference to the High Court by the Secretary of State for Scotland.
In the first case compensation of £7,500 was offered (of which £2,500 was paid as an interim award) but refused by the claimant; that offer has now been withdrawn and the question of compensation is again under review. In the second case compensation of £77,000 was accepted.