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A decade ago, Katie Johnston was the victim of a brutal attack when she was raped by a stranger. Now, she is urging policymakers to prioritize the voices of victims and reject current proposals that would allow the early release of hundreds of prisoners. Johnston’s assailant, Alasdair McDonald, was sentenced to ten years in prison and described by the judge as a “faceless, violent and predatory rapist.” Under new Scottish government plans, inmates like McDonald serving long-term sentences would be released automatically after serving two-thirds of their term.
The government defends these measures as a necessary response to unprecedented overcrowding in Scotland’s prisons. However, groups representing crime victims argue that exceptions should be made for sex offenders and domestic abusers. McDonald attacked Katie in Aberdeen in 2016, causing her severe physical and psychological harm. Although he is approaching the end of his incarceration and will remain under supervision for three years post-release, Katie remains concerned by the possibility that individuals like him could be freed earlier than currently scheduled, once the new rules take effect.
Katie explained the emotional toll on victims, saying: “Victims go through the ordeal of actually getting attacked and then you have to go through the ordeal of the legal process, the courts, reporting it to the police.” She views the prison sentence as a vital period for victims to begin healing through recovery and therapy. “At least you know the person who has done something bad can’t harm you or harm others,” she added. Early release, in Katie’s eyes, amounts to “almost a punishment on the victim again,” emphasizing that victims should not bear the consequences of overcrowded prisons by seeing offenders freed sooner.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray acknowledged Katie’s suffering, expressing empathy while underscoring the broader objectives behind the proposals. “My heart goes out to Katie in terms of what she has been through and I don’t diminish that in any way,” he said. Gray highlighted that the reforms are not solely about alleviating prison population pressure but also about improving offender management and reducing re-offending to prevent future victimization. The Scottish government’s controversial plans resemble debates occurring in England and Wales, where similar early release policies have prompted public outcry. The consultation on these prison reforms remains open until August 20, as the government seeks to balance safety, rehabilitation, and system sustainability
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