Give the victims a voice; EXCLUSIVE CZAR WILL TACKLE COPS AND COURTS.

Byline: By MARK AITKEN, Political Editor

CRIME victims are set to have an official champion to stand up for them against injustice.

The victims czar would have the power to investigate complaints about how their case was handled and support their families and witnesses.

The move follows high-profile cases in which people have felt let down by the police and courts. Highlands and Islands MSP 

David Stewart is pushing the plan through parliament.

He said: "If victims are to get the support and attention they deserve, they need a dedicated commissioner to look after their needs.

"There is a Prison Complaints Commissioner and it's time the victims had their own champion."

The victims' commissioner could help people like the fami ly of rape victim Lindsay Armstrong, 16, of New Cumnock, Ayrshire.

She died from an overdose of antidepressants after a humiliating cross examination during her attacker's trial. The czar could also be enlisted by the family of

Kevin McLeod, who are fighting to have police treat his death as murder. The 24-year-old's body was found in Wick Harbour but police ruled there was no foul play.

A victims czar could also have taken up the case of the schoolgirl who was raped by sex beast Robert Foye in Cumbernauld. He had absconded from prison during day release. Stewart added: "I hope a commissioner would have the ability to investigate, challenge and raise awareness of issues affecting victims." The proposals have received backing from support groups for victims. Sandy Brindley, national development worker with Rape Crisis Scotland, said: "Survivors of rape often feel there is an imbalance in the criminal justice system.

"A commissioner should be given responsibilities and powers to allow them to represent victims of crime effectively and to act as a point of contact to address concerns over issues that impact on survivors of rape."

Susan Gallagher, of Victim Support Scotland, said: "Such a post would help advance the rights of victims and witnesses of crime."

Northern Ireland has a commissioner for victims and survivors of The Troubles.

In September, Gordon Brown promised to appoint a victims' commissioner in England and Wales.

The Scottish Government said: "We are committed to putting victims at the heart of the criminal justice system and are reviewing the Scottish Strategy for Victims. We will consider ways to ensure victims' rights are safeguarded."

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Action: David Stewart