Marion's case dropped

[sashh]

Sorry if someone else started a thread, but it's just turned up on twitter.

twitter.com/ForwomenScot/status/1453643022235746309

www.heraldscotland.com/politics/19678238.prosecutors-discontinue-hate-crime-case-scots-feminist-marion-millar/

I'm a little apprehensive about the potential vindictiveness of the complainants but I'd be surprised if a prosecution can be compelled to go ahead by them when the prosecutors don't wish to continue.

However, I wonder if this is a compromise arrangement with the complainants that the cat and mouse threat remains?

It's on the main Marion thread, but I think it's good to have a new one for it.

This is absolutely fantastic news. Perhaps we might start to see an end to the spurious claims brought by ppl on twitter

Great news. About time. Would still like to know what the substance of the accusation actually was

Anyone familiar with Scots criminal law who can say how likely it is that the complainants could compel a prosecution?

Great news. Absolutely ridiculous that she was threatened with arrest for no reason.

Just the fact that it all remains open mean she can't publicise the actual charges?

@Datun

Just the fact that it all remains open mean she can't publicise the actual charges?

Hmm. Good question.

It surely can't remain open forever.

One would hope not Eresh. One would hope that this will be closed and open to be disseminated after any appeal time has expired.

Fantastic news. The case was so flimsy that prosecutors would have made themselves a laughing stock if they'd continued to pursue it.

Happy news

Cowards. They didn't want to have to justify themselves in open court. But carefully leaving the door open for future action, a little warning to behave is it not?

I'm not sure if I was one of the 'alleged victims' I'd necessarily be looking forwards to the review.

@ErrolTheDragon

I'm not sure if I was one of the 'alleged victims' I'd necessarily be looking forwards to the review.

I've no idea how straightforward it would be for them to back down particular if they have communities who are egging them on to proceed and part of face-saving.

Unless they perceive the value of a cat and mouse and enjoy the frisson prospect of retaining some degree of control over what will happen in someone's life?

@Ereshkigalangcleg

It surely can't remain open forever.

I wouldn't have thought so, otherwise it would be a breach of article 6 ECHR

IANAL but this:

"A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “Those directly involved have been informed of an update in this case and there is a right to call for a review of this.

“Until any review has been completed the question of whether or not there will be a prosecution remains open.

“The Crown reserves the right to proceed and will not comment further.”"

suggests that if there is no review it will be closed.

Great news for Marion although she never have been put in that situation.

This is brilliant news, it's a case that since it started has left a sickness in my stomach.

Fantastic news, I hope NI police take a look at that before they decide to continue harassing Ceri.

I’m glad this is over of course, but poor Marion - imagine what it’s been like for her for the last six months. Yesterday I saw a phrase on a different thread: the process is the punishment. I hope Marion is feeling ok today.

@Letterasaurus

Anyone familiar with Scots criminal law who can say how likely it is that the complainants could compel a prosecution?

The complainers have a right to ask for a review of the decision to drop proceedings. They would have 28 days from the date they were made aware of the decision to ask for a review.

In this case, if they did ask for a review it is unlikely the decision will be overturned. COPFS would not have dropped the case lightly. Unless they were sure there was no basis for it. And it would have had approval already at a very high level.

This is actually quite embarrassing for COPFS to have dropped it at this stage.

Fantastic news but still appalling that it was ever brought in the first place.

Was Marion financially hurt in any way? I remember reading that she may have to lose her house? Does she have recourse to compensation?

This is actually quite embarrassing for COPFS to have dropped it at this stage.

I hope they are throughly embarrassed and decide on some training/review for those who made the disgraceful decision to take that vexation, pathetic complaint, so seriously.