JUSTICE VICTORY FOR FAMILY AFTER SENTENCE APPEAL

Angela Murphy • Published 8 Jul 2009 12:55

A CAMPAIGN to get tougher sentences for three thugs who left a Johnstone man for dead has been stepped up.

The Crown has agreed to review the case of David Collins at the Court of Appeal in Edinburgh.

The 34-year-old was assaulted as he left a friend"s house in Johnstone Castle last November.

His three attackers Adam McManus, 17, William McManus, 20, and Anthony Johnstone were caged for a total of just ten years, to the horror of David"s family and the local community.

The sick trio knocked their innocent victim unconscious and beat him up so badly he was left unable to carry out everyday tasks.

Devastated mum Morag, 58, was determined to seek justice for her son with the help of The Gazette and her local MSP.

She sent a copy of our newspaper to Hugh Henry who backed her plight to review the trio"s sentences.

Dozens of disgusted readers wrote in with their support after the shocking outcome was announced at the High Court in Glasgow.

Hugh contacted the Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacKaskill and the Lord Advocate, who have fought to have the case reviewed by the Court of Appeal where only 10 cases are looked at every year.

And this week, the Gazette can reveal that there is light at the end of the tunnel for David and his family.

Delighted Morag said: 'We are so happy to hear the news.

'The Crown has decided to appeal against the sentences of the three men that attacked David.

'Hopefully we will have a successful case, but even if we don"t, we are putting a warning out to the scum who terrorise innocent people.

'It looks like the justice system is starting to swing in favour of the victim at last.'

Hugh Henry MSP said: 'Victims deserve justice.

'Those who commit violent assaults should be ready to face the consequences of their actions with a long jail sentence.

'I fully support the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General in their determination to challenge unusually lenient sentences. The public expectation is for sentences to match the crime. I hope that the courts reflect the public"s anxiety about violent crime.

'Stiff sentences will show victims that they do matter and that they are not just unfortunate statistics.'

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This article appeared in The Gazette 08 Jul 09

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