BEST-SELLING author Janice Galloway has called for a "significant and workable change" in anti-stalking laws after a review was launched into the controversial case involving her former lover.

The Crown Office is examining whether there are any gaps in the legislation after classical pianist Graeme McNaught, 54, was not convicted of the crime despite it being proved he harrassed the novelist.

Campaigners have welcomed the move and hope that it will result in changes to ensure Ms Galloway's case is not repeated.

The Scottish Government said yesterday it would work with the Crown Office to see if the law on criminal non-harassment orders needs to be adjusted.

Ms Galloway said: "I would welcome very much changes in the law which make it possible not to use mental health issues as a defence.

"I think I am in a more cautious frame of mind than to welcome that which is unpredictable.

"Presently, the law is rambling and looks fine on paper: clearly the transition to a complex court situation does not work.

"Looking at the law with a view to significant, workable change (is) what I hope for.

"I'd need to hear what their review found. Much to do with harassment law is flawed and not joined up.

"If my case were representative, no stalker would be convicted: stalking is, per se, indicative of some underlying psychological condition."

Mr McNaught, of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, faced five charges of acting in a threatening and abusive manner and placing Ms Galloway in a state of fear and alarm.

Hamilton Sheriff Court had heard that Mr McNaught said in an email he had naked photos of her pregnant and planned to show them at an art exhibition.

He was found by Sheriff Ray Small to have carried out the acts, but his concerns over his mental health meant an original trial was halted and he escaped a criminal conviction.

The sheriff subsequently said there was no need for a supervision and treatment order after reviewing three reports following a medical examination by a doctor and a psychiatrist. A non-harassment order was unable to be imposed as there was no conviction.

Sheriff Small said there was, however, "the understanding" that Mr McNaught keep in contact with the mental health group he was attending "on a voluntary basis" and that if they notice a change in his mental health "they can take action themselves".

Within hours of the case concluding, Mr McNaught visited Ms Galloway's home to deliver a brown envelope containing a pink A4 sheet "offering friendship" and then left in a taxi.

Stalking victim Ann Moulds, of Action Scotland Against Stalking, said she hoped that legislation would be tightened up and that there needed to be more transparency in the decision taken on the case.

"Reviewing the legislation is a great starting point," she said. "This needs to be looked at."

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland yesterday confirmed Mr McNaught had been suspended for some time pending the outcome of the trial and last week accepted his resignation.

The Crown Office has said that their national stalking lead and other officials will "review the issues which arose, including consideration as to whether there are legislative gaps in this area."

It is understood that this will be fed to the the Scottish Government's justice department.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "There is no place in Scotland for stalking or harassment of any kind.

"Parliament led the way across the UK by introducing a specific stalking offence in 2010.

"We always keep legislation under review, and are happy to work with the Crown Office to see if the law on criminal non-harassment orders needs to be adjusted."