CASE OF RAYMOND GILMOUR

That this House notes that the Secretary of State for Scotland is currently considering an application for the Prerogative of Mercy in respect of Raymond Gilmour, 2157/83 HMP Saughton, under the terms of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975; recognises that he has a duty to undertake thorough and detailed investigations before reaching a conclusion; draws his attention to the fact that Raymond Gilmour has been imprisoned since 1982 for the murder of Johnstone schoolgirl Pamela Hastie; notes that the conviction was on an 8/6 majority verdict; notes that there was a distinct lack of forensic evidence at the trial, that other key evidence appears to be inconsistent with events and that significant new evidence has come to light since; believes that there is now at least reasonable doubt about Raymond Gilmour's conviction; and urges the Secretary of State for Scotland to ensure that his review is completed as urgently as possible commensurate with interests of justice.