A grieving Ayrshire dad has taken the next step in his fight to introduce Grace's Law which would help jail drug dealers that cause death.
Stewart Handling, who lost his 13-year-old daughter Grace in 2018 after she took ecstasy, was left heartbroken all over again when the man who admitted to giving Grace the fatal drugs was acquitted after the jury returned a not proven verdict.
Heartbroken Stewart, of Irvine, was inspired to fight for change in the Scottish legal system as he believes the culpable homicide option allows juries wriggle room to deliver a not proven or not guilty verdict.
This week Stewart met with SNP MSP, Ruth Maguire, to discuss the next steps in bringing Grace's Law to Parliament's attention.
The dad spoke positively about the meeting.
He said: "Ruth was honest and knows it will take quite a while to get something done but she's going to research the way forward and make clear our aims.
"The culpable homicide charge, which was used in Grace's case offers is very difficult to prove.
"It's near impossible I would say to prove a drug dealer had the intent of killing because their intent is to profit but Grace's Law would allow another route for the Crown to use when trying class A drug death cases.
"We spoke about the principals behind Grace's Law and Ruth is going to help find the best route going forward.
"We're not sure at this stage if it would fall under the misuse of drugs act or the culpable homicide charge.
"It's quite complex but I'm encouraged to have her on my side and look forward to more talks in the New Year."
MSP Ruth said: “I appreciated spending time with Stewart and hearing directly from him, his experience of the justice system following on from the tragic death of Grace.
"I have committed to work with Stuart on his aspiration for Grace’s Law and will be meeting with parliamentary officials early in the new year to begin that work.”
Stewart is also in talks with The Rt Hon Lady Paton from the Scottish Law Commission.
Stewart added: "Generally speaking, it is vulnerable people who take drugs - Grace was a child when she died.
"And new mum Becky Tollan who was killed after taking cocaine, her case didn't result in a favourable outcome for her family and that too was a culpable homicide charge.
"I'm passionate about changing the law and I believe there is a need for more confidence in the legal system.
"When you read about culpable homicide cases it doesn't fill victims' families with much confidence.
"It would be marvelous to have Grace's Law passed tomorrow but in the real world, it's going to take a good few years, unfortunately.
"It's early days but I'm staying positive."
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