THE Crown Office has appointed a senior lawyer to review and co-ordinate domestic abuse prosecutions in Scotland, after an outcry over the Bill Walker case.
Campaigners yesterday welcomed the move as a step towards seeking tougher sentences, especially for multiple offenders.
Solicitor General Lesley Thomson QC announced the appointment of Anne Marie Hicks to a newly created role as national Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse.
The respected prosecutor, who played a key role in the creation of specialist domestic abuse courts in Glasgow, will review Crown Office policy and liaise with fiscals, police and women's groups.
The move comes amid pressure on the Crown Office and Scottish Government to tackle domestic abuse.
Recent data showed fewer than one in 20 charges were prosecuted in jury trials where the toughest sentencing powers are available.
The Crown Office has also faced criticism over its decision to try disgraced ex-MSP Bill Walker in a lower court.
He was sentenced to a year in jail after being found guilty of 23 counts of assault against three ex-wives and a step-daughter. The sentence was the maximum available but not long enough to have him thrown out of Holyrood and he only resigned after intense public pressure.
Ms Thomson said public attitudes towards domestic violence had changed.
She added: "It is only right therefore to expect that prosecutors will continue to keep policy and approach to this type of crime under review."
Ms Hicks, who led the Crown Office's Domestic Abuse Unit in Glasgow, will work with women's groups. She said: "Their insights will be invaluable in shaping the response to the needs of victims and their families."
Her appointment comes two days after the Crown Office defended "clear and robust" prosecution policy.
Lily Greenan, the manager of campaign group Scottish Women's Aid, said: "We're delighted. The creation of this post recognises that there is scope to consider how we can improve the prosecution of domestic abuse across Scotland."
Mhairi McGowan, of victims' support service ASSIST, said: "There have been welcome changes in attitudes to domestic abuse within society and it is important that victims who come forward to report what has been happening to them, have confidence that there is a consistent response across Scotland."
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