A 12-WEEK public consultation has begun in Scotland, aimed at ensuring rape sentencing north of the border is fit for purpose.

Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian, chair of the Scottish Sentencing Council, the body responsible for guidance, launched the exercise tomorrow, the latest in the process which has so far centred on legal professionals and interest groups.

Lady Dorrian urged the public to get involved in the consultation as the “most significant stage yet” in developing guidelines which aim to take into account the culpability of the offender and the harm caused to the victim.