Dr Andrew Tickell

Justice Secretary Angela Constance praised the “tireless” work of the Campaign for Complainer Anonymity, led by Dr Andrew Tickell, Seonaid Stevenson-McCabe and students, following the publication of the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Media convention dictates complainers are not named but there is no legal prohibition in Scotland, unlike in the rest of the UK. The new bill introduces a lifelong right to privacy and a clear framework for reporting on cases and commenting online.

In a letter to Dr Tickell, the Justice Secretary said: “The bill builds on the efforts of many campaigners who have worked tirelessly to ensure that our processes of justice better serve victims and witnesses including, of course, the Campaign for Complainer Anonymity led by yourself, Seonaid Stevenson-McCabe and your students at GCU.”

The Campaign for Complainer Anonymity, set up in 2020, raised public awareness, conducted international and comparative legal research to identify best practice, and persuaded politicians from all parties that reform should be a priority.

Dr Tickell, senior law lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian, said: “We are delighted. These proposals sets out a clear framework for reporting restrictions in sexual offence cases in Scotland, learning the best lessons from the international practice and experience around complainer anonymity.

“The bill will not only protect complainers’ privacy in these cases. Critically, it also recognises and honours their autonomy - and right to decide for themselves whether or not to share their experiences in public.”