The family of Michelle Stewart, a 17-year-old from Ayrshire who was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend, is urging for greater recognition and protections for crime victims following the release of her killer on parole.
In 2008, Michelle was stabbed 10 times in front of her friends by John Wilson, then 20 years old, after she ended their relationship. The incident took place in the village of Drongan. Wilson was sentenced to life in prison but was recently released on license after serving 16 years.
Although his release comes with restrictions, including where he can live, Michelle’s family—who have campaigned for “Michelle’s Law”—assert that Wilson has shown no remorse for his actions. They have strongly criticized the decision to grant him parole.
Family’s Outcry Over Parole Decision
Michelle’s older brother, Steven Stewart, expressed the family’s frustration, stating, “There is no justice for Michelle because nothing will bring her back. We are the ones serving the sentence now, while he’s free to walk around.”
Steven also emphasized that murder should carry a true life sentence. “It’s the worst crime imaginable. Life should mean life.”
The family was further distressed during Wilson’s prison term upon learning that he had been allowed temporary visits to Ayr, a location close to where they live. This incident fueled their determination to advocate for “Michelle’s Law,” which seeks to amplify the voices of victims during parole hearings and enforce stricter exclusion zones for released offenders.
Partial Success with “Michelle’s Law”
The Stewart family’s advocacy has led to some progress. As a condition of his release, Wilson is prohibited from entering Ayrshire without prior permission and cannot contact Michelle’s family.
However, Michelle’s brother Kenny Stewart believes more needs to be done. “I think it’s important that decision-makers truly consider the impact on families. It feels like the focus is on rehabilitating offenders, giving them a chance at a better life, while families like ours are forgotten,” Kenny said in an interview with BBC Scotland News.
Parole Board’s Assessment
The Parole Board for Scotland (PBS) notified the family on January 15 that Wilson no longer posed a risk to public safety. He was initially told he would serve at least 12 years before being eligible for parole and has now served four additional years.
The board explained that Wilson would remain on license for the rest of his life, under supervision by local authorities, and could be sent back to prison if he breached the conditions of his parole. A spokesperson for the board stated: “Conditions are tailored in each case to manage risk effectively. Local authorities can request changes to these conditions if necessary.”
Scottish Government’s Position
The Scottish government emphasized that decisions on individual parole cases are the responsibility of the Parole Board. A government spokesperson stated: “Parole board decisions are based on thorough risk assessments to ensure individuals can be managed safely within the community.”
Family’s Fight for Change
Despite the conditions placed on Wilson, the Stewart family feels that justice for Michelle remains incomplete. They continue to campaign for stronger measures to support and protect victims of crime, ensuring their voices are not overlooked in the legal process.
