Wildlife Crime Penalties Review Group Report

The report was commissioned by the Scottish Government to review the penalty levels available for wildlife crimes in Scotland and those actually imposed by the Courts. It was also commissioned to review alternative penalties. As well as doctrinal research into these issues the work involved empirical research with stakeholders. A series of recommendations were made to the Government including increasing maximum available penalties, harmonising the availability of alternative penalties, requiring the use of impact statements where possible and the introduction of Sentencing Guidelines in this field to increase the transparency and consistency of sentencing for wildlife crimes.

Poustie was sole author (which can be confirmed with the SG) and the Review Group acted as a form of peer review panel in relation to the report.