§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions he has attempted to increase the length of a sentence applied for manslaughter; and in what proportion of cases he has been successful in each year since 1990. [19258]
§ Mr. McLeishThe Lord Advocate has, since 1993, had the power to appeal against sentences which appear to him to be unduly lenient, or in the case of certain disposals, inappropriate.
He has exercised the power on three occasions in respect of sentences or other disposals imposed following convictions for culpable homicide.
The first such appeal, taken in 1995, was refused. The second appeal, taken in 1996 was allowed by the High Court of Justiciary, as was the third, taken in 1997.