Tragedy dad slams police over secrecy

A murder victim’s father has criticised Scotland’s national police force for refusing to disclose how many killers have escaped justice.

Police Scotland said there are 57 undetected murders where no suspects have been identified or no charges brought.

But it refused to reveal the total number of “unresolved” homicide cases, as it emerged that at least 750 killers have escaped justice.

Unresolved homicides are cases where nobody has been jailed, including those where suspects did not appear in court or were acquitted.

Police Scotland said revealing details may pose a risk to witnesses and the families’ of victims whose cases are being re-investigated and upset those whose cases are not.

However, critics say the force’s refusal to release the information will reinforce fears of its culture of secrecy.

Joe Duffy, whose daughter Amanda was the victim of a yet unsolved killing, said: “We are very surprised at the estimated number of unresolved cases. We are also surprised and disappointed at the reluctance of Police Scotland to provide accurate information, as requested.

“Whilst we can understand the Police Scotland’s consideration for the possible trauma and risk to victims’ families and witnesses we feel they should still be prepared to provide the accurate number of cases involved.”

He spoke out after Police Scotland refused a Freedom of Information request by The Sunday Post for basic details of unsolved murders. We asked for simple facts, including the name of the victim, where and when the murder took place and a brief description of the killing.

However, our request was refused despite Police Scotland agreeing that releasing the information would be in the public interest.

In response to our FoI request, a spokesman said: “In order to retain trust in police activities, it is important to ensure no disclosure of information will cause harm or distress to members of the public.”

The centralised force is currently examining files from the merger of eight regional forces. The current number of unresolved cases is about 750.

But just six months ago, police revealed the figure for the old Strathclyde force alone was about 500. The figure for the whole country could be much higher.

Graeme Pearson, MSP, the Scottish Labour Justice spokesman, said: “I find it illogical and uncomfortable that Police Scotland are not prepared to share the true figure. Nobody is asking for details of evidence, which seem to be a matter of historical fact. It is surprising there seems to be an enormous sensitivity surrounding them.”

Mr Pearson, ex-director of Scotland’s Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, added: “There have been occasions in the past where releasing information has meant witnesses have come forward. There is an element of public interest that can generate a very useful and positive response.”

Teenager Amanda’s battered body was found on wasteland in Hamilton more than 20 years ago. Francis Auld stood trial for her murder but the charge was found not proven by a jury.

Mr Duffy said the case is one of a handful being re-investigated by police after double jeopardy legislation was passed last year. The law as it stands means suspects can be tried for the same crime twice.