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The inaugural meeting of FAAS, held in Perth on 30th October was a great success. There was a good attendance on the day and the atmosphere was very positive.

Many thanks go to the speakers on the day:

Dr William Thompson; The Rise of False Allegations
(Criminologist)

Margaret Gardener; Support Work
(False Allegations Support Organisation)

Jim Fairlie; Scottish Issues
(Scottish Issues)

David Brookens
(Solicitor)

A number of those attending also spoke of their own cases.

David Brookens was not listed as a speaker, but I am delighted to say he asked to take the stage twice during the meeting and has asked to be kept informed of future meetings and progress made by the group.

It is clear from those that attended the meeting and all others who are in contact with FAAS, that there is a serious situation in Scotland that needs to be addressed.

The inaugural meeting in Perth signified a number of things,

1. That falsely accused people in Scotland are not prepared to accept the present situation.
2. That support and advice for people in Scotland in such a situation is badly needed.
3. That ministers in Scotland can no longer ignore the problem of false allegations in Scotland.
4. That FAAS is a determined force for change in Scotland.

We are not prepared to "put it down to life experience" (as I was told by Iain MacAulay of Western IslesCouncil Social Work department). Living through the trauma of being falsely accused of a crime cannot, and should not, be put down to life experience; this suggests that it is something, not only to be expected, but something the effects of which can easily be shrugged off. They cannot.

A false allegation made against someone should never progress to court and the fact that people are wrongfully convicted on a false allegation in a country that claims to pride itself on it's justice system is deeply disturbing to say the least.

The MP for the Western Isles, who I have written to since February, 2004 concerning our case, continues to take the view that the police and social services were correct in their actions but that legal action on our part is the best way forward if we feel that what they did was unacceptable.

Though he is aware of the situation, he refuses to challenge the police or the council on their actions, this is sadly the response most people receive from their Member of Parliament. It is not beneficial politically for him to be seen to support persons accused of such crimes and criticise the police and local council, and so the injustice continues.

A meeting has been arranged with the local MSP, Alasdair Morrison, for Friday 26th November, 2004. The results of which shall be posted on the website.

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Other News

IN UK

FAAS has applied to be listed on INUK's contact list. INUK (Innocence Network UK) was launched on the eve of the Inaugural Innocence Projects Colloquium, held at the University of Bristol's School of Law on 3rd September 2004.

INUK is a university-based initiative. It recognises that evidence-based research into the causes of wrongful convictions and the current forms of redress for those wrongfully convicted is an essential part of bringing about effective reform of the criminal justice system. Through it's work, it intends to raise the public awareness of wrongful convictions.

INUK will also encourage the establishment of Innocence Projects in universities with the aim of assisting those convicted of criminal offences who have exhausted all appeal processes.