Victim of Scots dumbbell maniac felt ‘gagged’ by parole confidentiality agreement

Victim of Scots dumbbell maniac felt ‘gagged’ by parole confidentiality agreement

A woman who was brutally attacked by a murderer while he was on home release from prison has expressed feeling silenced after being required to sign a confidentiality agreement to attend his parole hearing. Linda McDonald was assaulted by Robbie McIntosh, who viciously attacked her with a dumbbell in Templeton Woods on the outskirts of Dundee in August 2017. McIntosh was out on home leave from Castle Huntly when he carried out the frenzied assault on Linda.

Ms McDonald has voiced her frustration at feeling like McIntosh’s privacy rights took precedence over her rights as a victim. She was permitted to attend his parole hearing only if she agreed to a confidentiality agreement. This meant she could only share the outcome of the hearing with her husband and children. Ms McDonald found this restriction distressing as she believed attending the hearing was essential for her own healing process.

Robbie McIntosh was sentenced to five years in prison for the attempted murder of Linda McDonald and was also given an Order for Lifelong Restriction (OLR). McIntosh was just 15 when he brutally attacked dog walker Anne Nicoll in Dundee in 2001, stabbing her 29 times and stomping on her head. The parole board’s decision not to release McIntosh following his recent hearing brought relief to Ms McDonald, who had feared the opposite outcome.

Ms McDonald highlighted the need for more specific terms in the confidentiality agreement, indicating that it should clearly outline what information cannot be disclosed rather than imposing a blanket restriction. Her concern lies in the potential repercussions of speaking out against such restrictions, which could impact her ability to attend future parole hearings.

The Parole Board for Scotland has acknowledged the challenges victims face during the parole process and emphasized their efforts to engage with victims by providing necessary information and support. They clarified that certain communications, such as the letter informing Ms McDonald of McIntosh’s non-release, are exempt from the confidentiality agreement.

In conclusion, the case of Linda McDonald sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by victims of violent crimes within the parole system. Her struggle to navigate the balance between her rights as a victim and the requirements of confidentiality agreements underscores the need for clearer guidelines and better support for victims throughout the parole process.