Malcolm Webster murder: Crime legislation criticised

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The brother of a woman murdered by her husband has criticised legislation aimed at helping victims of crime.

Malcolm Webster, from Surrey, was jailed for a minimum of 30 years for murdering Claire Morris in north east Scotland in 1994.

Peter Morris claimed the proposals from the Scottish government were "a missed opportunity to make real improvements".

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill previously said the legislation put victims first.

The Victims and Witnesses Bill proposes to make offenders pay towards the cost of supporting victims of crime.

The legislation, if passed, will give victims and witnesses a right to certain information about their case, such as the time and place of the trial.

However, Mr Morris has expressed "disappointment" and claimed it would not make a significant difference.

A Scottish government spokesman said: "We consulted extensively with victim support groups and others while developing the bill, and the views expressed have informed the content and detail of the proposals being taken forward."

Webster was convicted of murdering Ms Morris, 32, who was originally from Kent, in a faked car crash before staging a similar attempt in New Zealand on a second bride.

He set fire to the vehicle with his unconscious wife inside it before later receiving an insurance payout.

Webster denied the offences and stood trial at the High Court in Glasgow last year.

He later launched an appeal.