Ex-judges warn corroboration move will increase risk of miscarriages of justice

Two of Scotland’s former top judges have warned against plans to scrap the centuries-old need for evidence to come from at least two sources in criminal cases.

Lords Hamilton and Cullen told the BBC that abolishing corroboration will increase the likelihood of miscarriages of justice.

The top prosecutor, Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland, argues that the move will help remove barriers to justice for people such as rape victims.

But Lord Hamilton said: “They should retain corroboration as an essential element of our criminal jurisdiction in Scotland.”

Lord Cullen said: “It’s very important that (corroboration) is there and always has been for centuries as a safeguard against wrongful conviction.”

The original proposal came from Lord Carloway who recommended to the Scottish Government that the provision should be scrapped.

The plan is contained in the Government’s Criminal Justice Bill, currently being debated at Holyrood.