John Swinney says SNP Government decision over David Goodwillie criminal trial ‘has taken too long’

John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, has criticised the Scottish Government for the delay in making a decision on reopening criminal proceedings against David Goodwillie. Goodwillie, a former Scotland striker, was accused of rape alongside his Dundee United teammate David Robertson by Denise Clair in 2011. Although a civil case found Goodwillie guilty of rape in 2017, the Crown Office initially dropped the criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.

Despite the civil ruling, Clair has been left in a state of uncertainty as the Scottish Government has not responded to her request for legal aid to pursue a criminal court private prosecution. Swinney, expressing dissatisfaction with the handling of the case, has apologised to Clair for the delay and acknowledged that the government needs to act with greater urgency.

During a session of First Minister’s Questions, Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay brought up the issue, highlighting Clair’s ordeal and questioning the government’s stance on supporting her prosecution. Swinney admitted that the government has taken too long to consider Clair’s request and assured that efforts are being made to engage with her agents promptly.

Denise Clair’s quest for justice has spanned over a decade, with no closure in sight as she continues to seek support for a criminal trial against Goodwillie and Robertson. Swinney’s acknowledgment of the delay and his commitment to expediting the process offer a glimmer of hope for Clair and underline the importance of timely and decisive action in cases of alleged sexual assault.

In conclusion, the case of Denise Clair and the delay in the decision-making process by the Scottish Government shine a light on the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence in seeking justice. Swinney’s admission of fault and promise to accelerate the proceedings reflect a step towards addressing the systemic issues that hinder victims’ access to legal recourse. It is imperative that such cases are handled with urgency, sensitivity, and a commitment to upholding the rights of survivors.