Bail reforms are plan to save cash but more women like Claire will pay with their lives

Government blasted over new regulations which remove presumption to jail violent abuse suspects

- BY JENNIFER HYLAND

THE parents of a murder victim have warned new laws making it easier for violent domestic abusers to be bailed from court put women's lives at risk.

Claire Inglis, 28, was killed by Christopher McGowan - who had 39 previous convictions, including one for a serious attack on an ex-partner - after he was freed to live at the Stirling flat she shared with her son.

McGowan had been bailed three times to her home when he battered and strangled the young mum, burned her face with a lighter and choked her with a wet wipe.

But we can reveal shocking new regulations in the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act, which came into force on May 14, will make it even easier for thugs like McGowan to be released on bail.

They removed a "presumption" for courts to deny release to anyone accused of violent, sexual or domestic abuse if they have a past similar conviction unless the court can determine a good reason for refusing it.

Opposition politicians have accused the Scottish Government of a cost-cutting exercise to free up prison space which puts women's safety at risk.

Claire's parents Ian, 62, and Fiona, 64, whose campaign for tougher bail restrictions is backed by the Mail, have asked First Minister John Swinney to explain why victims are being placed "in the line of fire".

Fiona, from Stirling, said: "These shocking reforms do not protect victims. Instead, they put women's lives at risk.

"This new law is going to put women like my daughter in further danger.

"We shouldn't be doing anything that makes it easier for violent offenders, especially violent domestic abusers, to be freed from court rather than remanded in custody.

"The presumption against bail was introduced to specially protect domestic abuse victims.