Dr Gormley brings with him a wealth of knowledge in criminal law and sentencing across Scotland and beyond.

He is an experienced researcher who has worked with a wide range of criminal justice stakeholders, including sentencing guideline issuing bodies, judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and the public. He is currently an early career research fellow at the University of Glasgow’s School of Law and an adviser to the Sentencing Academy.

As a new member he will assist the council in its preparation of sentencing guidelines and development of sentencing policy. This includes the current sentencing guidelines in relation to certain sexual offences, domestic abuse offences, sentence reduction for guilty plea, and environment and wildlife crimes.

Chair of the Council, the Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Beckett said: “I am delighted to welcome Jay to the Scottish Sentencing Council as our new lay member.

“His extensive knowledge and research in criminal justice and sentencing will greatly benefit the Council’s work as we prepare our next sentencing guidelines. I look forward to working with him during his tenure with the Council.”

Dr Gormley was appointed by the Scottish Ministers on 24 February 2025 and will serve on the Council until February 2030. He replaces Dr Hannah Graham, whose term ended on 3 December 2024, when she remained as an advisor until Dr Gormley’s appointment.