It has been reported today that convicted murderer, George
McGeoch, has raised court proceedings in a bid to win his right to
vote in the Holyrood election on 5 May. He is seeking to challenge
the UK government's policy, which does not allow votes for
convicted prisoners, as incompatible with EU law.
As we have highlighted in our
previous articles in relation to this issue, the European Court
in Strasburg has consistently ruled against the UK government's
position on this issue.
Mr McGeoch is serving a life sentence in Dumfries prison for the
murder of Eric Innes in Inverness in 1998. Initially sentenced to
serve a minimum term of imprisonment of 13 years, subsequent
convictions have led to an increase in the overall term he must
serve, and he will not be eligible for consideration for parole
until 2015.
Mr McGeogh is challenging the electoral registration officer for
Dumfries and Galloway's decision not to include him on the
electoral roll, on the basis that not being allowed to vote is
inconsistent with EU law. He is also seeking £2,500 in
compensation from the Local Authority on the basis that, if the
election proceeds and he is not able to take part, but it is later
found that he should have been entitled to do so, he should be
entitled to damages.
It is understood that the UK government is represented in the
litigation, and has been allowed time to prepare its case. The
case, being heard in the Court of Session by Lord Tyre, will be
re-convened on 7 April.
It is also understood that a large number of similar cases are
waiting in the wings, and electoral registration officers in local
authorities around the country are gearing up to deal with similar
challenges and claims for compensation. With local government
budgets already stretched, Councils such as Dumfries and Galloway
can ill-afford a raft of such litigation.
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