The Falkirk Herald has been praised for helping to secure more rights for bereaved families – and for enabling one family to have a say in a forthcoming parole hearing.

The paper revealed in March how killer Andrew Halliday had been let out for the day to attend his brother’s wedding in Falkirk town centre.

He had been jailed for life in September 1996 for the murder of Scott Fraser, but despite his sentence was allowed to mingle freely with family and friends.

On the way back to the secure unit he was even driven past the spot where he had committed the murder.

The victim’s family was neither consulted nor warned about his release, and was outraged when the Herald told them the news.

An article in the paper kick-started a campaign involving the family and shadow Deputy Justice Minister Michael Matheson MSP, and the Herald pushed for a full investigation, providing written and photographic evidence – forcing a u-turn from Justice Minister Jim Wallace.

Mr Wallace admitted mistakes were made and revealed the issue of victims and families being kept informed of “certain events” during an offender’s sentence was currently being reviewed.

He also addressed the route taken by Halliday and his escort and acknowledged greater consideration and care should have been taken in relation to the planned route.

The Deputy Justice Minister praised the Herald for flagging up the issue of informing victims and families of such releases.

He said: “The Herald played an important part, both through the initial story and giving me fresh information to go back and challenge Wallace. Without that there would not have been a full inquiry and investigation.

“The Herald made a difference. It has definitely played a part in making sure this kind of thing will not happen again in the future.

“The family also now know he is due for consideration of parole – they wouldn’t have been told.”

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or to e-mail us now – click here