FRESH calls have been made for an independent inquiry into the death of a Renfrewshire man. 

Craig McClelland was killed by James Wright in 2017 in Paisley, after he had illegally removed his tag and defied a home detention curfew five months before.

The family of Mr McClelland have called for a public inquiry into how Wright had evaded capture and been able to kill the father-of-three, as well as examining lessons which could be learned.

READ MORE: Violent thug convicted of Craig McClelland murder

The case was raised today by Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard, who says families have lost confidence in the justice system following a lack of scrutiny in his death. 

Speaking during First Minister's Questions, Mr Leonard highlighted the case of Mr McClelland.

Mr Leonard said the findings of two "process reviews" undertaken following Mr McClelland's death - which highlighted issues in the sharing of information between Police Scotland and the prison service - "only strengthened the case for an independent inquiry".

The Government declined to hold a public inquiry and an FAI was also rejected by the Lord Advocate, who decides on such matters.

Mr Leonard said both families have still not had justice for the loss of their loved one.

The Gazette: Mr McClelland's case was raised by Richard Leonard Mr McClelland's case was raised by Richard Leonard

The Labour leader said: "First Minister, it is your duty to ensure that the public has confidence in the justice system.

"The family of Craig McClelland (has) been badly let down.

"They have lost their faith in the system and if they have no confidence in your justice system, why should anybody else?"

The First Minister said she understood why his family feels aggrieved by the justice system, adding that "lessons should be learned" from the case.

She said: "It is our responsibility, something we take very seriously and discharge, to make sure that we have a sound and solid justice system.

READ MORE:  Paisley family repeat calls for inquiry

"We will continue to do that.

"In general terms, the Government will always seek to respond carefully, sensitively and appropriately when situations like this arise so we're learning the right lessons and where necessary, making the right changes."

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