MSPs back plans to end retrial rule

MSPs have backed plans to allow the retrial of suspects who may have escaped punishment in the past.

The decision marks a key stage in the Scottish Government's attempt to shake up the centuries-old principle that no-one should be tried twice for the same crime. Holyrood's justice committee has now backed the overall aim of the Double Jeopardy Bill, which would enshrine the law in statute.

The bill also establishes exceptions where evidence later emerges that an acquitted person has admitted to committing the offence, or where the original trial was "tainted", possibly by witness intimidation.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has said there would be a public outcry if changes in the law did not allow retrials of old cases.

He argued for the inclusion of retrospective cases in legislation which will permit exceptions to Scotland's 800-year-old double jeopardy rule.