Humza Yousaf is to meet with the family of Alesha MacPhail after her killer had his sentence reduced by three years after winning his appeal.  

In a tweet, the Justice Secretary confirmed that he would meet with the family to discuss their concerns saying: "Horrific murder of Alesha MacPhail is one of the worst crimes in my lifetime - beyond heartbreaking.

READ MORE: Alesha MacPhail’s uncle blasts justice system 

"I completely understand the upset and anger of Alesha's family. I will meet with Alesha's family & listen to their concerns." 

Campbell was found guilty of murdering and raping 6-year-old Alesha MacPhail on the Isle of Bute on July 2 last summer.

The 17-year-old had his term reduced from 27 years to 24 following an appeal against the jail term heard at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh

Solicitors for Campbell used the case of Luke Mitchell, who murdered his girlfriend Jodi Jones when he was just 15, to back up their appeal that the sentence was "excessive and amounts to a miscarriage of justice" due to his age. 

The ruling from Lord Drummond Young, Lord Menzies and Lord Justice Clerk said: "Against the cases to which we have made reference, a punishment part in excess of 20 years was plainly merited.

READ MORE: Alesha MacPhail killer Aaron Campbell has sentence reduced by three years

"We have concluded that a punishment part of 24 years would be appropriate to reflect the appellant's youth.

"We will accordingly allow the appeal to the extent of substituting that period for the sentence imposed."