Reform the Scottish parole system for extreme offences
Reform the Scottish parole system for extreme offences
The Issue
In 2008 Buckhaven was shaken by the heinous acts committed by Rab Thomson, the impacts of those horrific crimes are still strongly felt across the community. He was sentenced to prison for murdering his own children but in 2025, he was eligible to apply for parole. It was not granted but he will be able to apply again this year. The parole process caused immense distress for the family, which will happen each time an application is permitted.
For those living with the consequences of these awful crimes, and the horrific experiences endured, the potential for an annual parole process is a significant burden. It resurfaces the pain and memories, hindering the healing process and denying them the peace they deserve.
The current parole system in Scotland, particularly the practice of allowing annual applications for parole, is in urgent need of reform. This petition calls on the Scottish Government to initiate changes that address this, specifically asking for limits on when and how often parole applications can be made in cases involving the most serious and violent crimes.
By implementing these changes, we can protect the rights and well-being of victims and their families, preventing repeated and unnecessary trauma. It’s time for the Scottish Government to take decisive action, ensuring that justice is truly served and victims are given the respect and peace they deserve.
Please sign this petition to urge immediate reforms to the Scottish parole system. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that victims and their families do not have to endure this repeated pain and distress.
This petition:
Calls on the Scottish Government to urgently bring forward reform of the parole system in relation to the most heinous crimes; recognises that the current practice of annual parole applications can cause repeated pain and distress to victims and their families in cases involving extreme offences; and calls for changes to parole hearings, including restrictions on the frequency and availability of applications in the most serious cases.
1,622
The Issue
In 2008 Buckhaven was shaken by the heinous acts committed by Rab Thomson, the impacts of those horrific crimes are still strongly felt across the community. He was sentenced to prison for murdering his own children but in 2025, he was eligible to apply for parole. It was not granted but he will be able to apply again this year. The parole process caused immense distress for the family, which will happen each time an application is permitted.
For those living with the consequences of these awful crimes, and the horrific experiences endured, the potential for an annual parole process is a significant burden. It resurfaces the pain and memories, hindering the healing process and denying them the peace they deserve.
The current parole system in Scotland, particularly the practice of allowing annual applications for parole, is in urgent need of reform. This petition calls on the Scottish Government to initiate changes that address this, specifically asking for limits on when and how often parole applications can be made in cases involving the most serious and violent crimes.
By implementing these changes, we can protect the rights and well-being of victims and their families, preventing repeated and unnecessary trauma. It’s time for the Scottish Government to take decisive action, ensuring that justice is truly served and victims are given the respect and peace they deserve.
Please sign this petition to urge immediate reforms to the Scottish parole system. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that victims and their families do not have to endure this repeated pain and distress.
This petition:
Calls on the Scottish Government to urgently bring forward reform of the parole system in relation to the most heinous crimes; recognises that the current practice of annual parole applications can cause repeated pain and distress to victims and their families in cases involving extreme offences; and calls for changes to parole hearings, including restrictions on the frequency and availability of applications in the most serious cases.
1,622
Supporter Voices
Petition created on 6 February 2026