Commentary on Sections Release of offender: victim’s rights Section 27 –Victim’s right to receive information about release of offender etc.
78.Previously, under section 16 of the 2003 Act, victims of certain prescribed offences could receive information about the release of offenders (and some other relevant information). The information mainly related to the circumstances in which a prisoner leaves prison. This may be due to temporary release, an escape, transfer to a prison outwith Scotland, release on licence or parole, death of the prisoner or end of sentence. Section 27 amends section 16 of the 2003 Act to remove the reference to prescribed offences. As a result, victims of any offence will be able to receive information under this section. Section 27 also provides that the information to be given to victims under section 16 of the 2003 Act includes information that the prisoner is for the first time entitled to be considered for temporary release.