Scottish Tories are calling for more transparency in the justice system after child rapist and murderer Aaron Campbell had his sentence reduced.

The 17-year-old was sentenced to life with a minimum of 27 years for killing six-year-old Alesha MacPhail on the Isle of Bute.

Three judges ruled on Tuesday his jail term should be cut by three years after an appeal in August.

Scottish Conservatives have since launched a new Honesty in Sentencing campaign to "restore public trust in the justice system".

Liam Kerr, the party's justice secretary, said: "It's hard to find anyone who isn't appalled at the reduction in Aaron Campbell's sentence.

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

"The Scottish Conservative campaign Honesty in Sentencing will simplify the sentencing process - victims will know what to expect, and judges will be able to give criminals an appropriate sentence.

"The current sentencing system is confusing and is often a source of anxiety and trauma to the victims who have already suffered too much.

"The worst criminals must know that they could face a lifetime in prison - no ifs, no buts, no automatic early release."

The campaign calls for a number of new policies to be introduced such as the abolition of automatic early release for all criminals, with parole only considered following a risk assessment.

It would also see courts required to be "upfront" about the length and nature of the entire sentence.

READ MORE: Mum of tragic girl 'livid' at Aaron Campbell appeal grant

This would include stating the time that may be spent in the community on licence.

The proposed Whole Life Custody (Scotland) Bill, introduced by Mr Kerr, would give Scottish judges the power to ensure "the most dangerous criminals" are never released.