Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE SCOTTISH CRIMINAL CASES REVIEW COMMISSION

In accordance with the Commission’s statutory obligations, a statement of reasons for its decision has been sent to the High Court, and a copy of the statement of the reasons has been sent to Ms Graham and the Crown. The Commission has no power under its founding statute to make copies of its statements of reasons available to the public.

On 15 December 2008, at Edinburgh High Court, Ms Graham was convicted of the murder of her partner.

In the course of its review the Commission obtained fresh evidence. This suggested that Ms Graham’s responsibility may have been diminished. Ms Graham has always accepted that she was responsible for the killing. It appeared to the Commission that her conviction for murder, rather than culpable homicide, may have been a miscarriage of justice.

This release is for information purposes only and the content of this news release should not be treated as forming part of the Commission’s statement of reasons.

Notes for Editors

The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission was established as an independent body on 1 April 1999 to review alleged miscarriages of justice in Scottish convictions and/or sentences. Under sections 194 A to T of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 the Commission can refer a case to the High Court if it believes that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred and that it is in the interests of justice that a reference should be made. After the Commission makes a reference to the High Court, the case will proceed as a normal appeal.

The Commission operates with a Board of 8 Members, one of whom is the Chairperson, a Chief Executive, a Director of Corporate Services, a Head of Casework, 2 Senior Legal Officers, 5 Legal Officers and administrative support staff.

In terms of its disclosure policy, the Commission will disclose the fact that a case has been referred. However, as it operates under statutory non-disclosure provisions, the Commission will not disclose any further information about such cases.

For any further general information about the Commission please contact Mr Chris Reddick, Director of Corporate Services, SCCRC, 5^th Floor, Portland House, 17 Renfield Street, Glasgow, Tel: 0141 270 7030, e-mail: creddick@sccrc.org.uk or visit the Commission’s website at www.sccrc.org.uk