Grieving Ayrshire dad takes next step in the fight for Grace's Law

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A grieving Ayrshire dad has taken the next step in his fight to introduce Grace's Law which would help jail drug dealers that cause death.

Stewart Handling, who lost his 13-year-old daughter Grace in 2018 after she took ecstasy, was left heartbroken all over again when the man who admitted to giving Grace the fatal drugs was acquitted after the jury returned a not proven verdict.

Heartbroken Stewart, of Irvine, was inspired to fight for change in the Scottish legal system as he believes the culpable homicide option allows juries wriggle room to deliver a not proven or not guilty verdict.This week Stewart met with SNP MSP, Ruth Maguire, to discuss the next steps in bringing Grace's Law to Parliament's attention.

The dad spoke positively about the meeting. He said: "Ruth was honest and knows it will take quite a while to get something done but she's going to research the way forward and make clear our aims."The culpable homicide charge, which was used in Grace's case offers is very difficult to prove. "It's near impossible I would say to prove a drug dealer had the intent of killing because their intent is to profit but Grace's Law would allow another route for the Crown to use when trying class A drug death cases."We spoke about the principals behind Grace's Law and Ruth is going to help find the best route going forward."We're not sure at this stage if it would fall under the misuse of drugs act or the culpable homicide charge. "It's quite complex but I'm encouraged to have her on my side and look forward to more talks in the New Year."MSP Ruth said: “I appreciated spending time with Stewart and hearing directly from him, his experience of the justice system following on from the tragic death of Grace. "I have committed