Courts to have power to prosecute overseas domestic abuse

Prosecutions under Scotland's proposed new domestic abuse law could cover incidents involving Scottish residents and UK nationals that take place abroad.

MSPs on Holyrood's Justice Committee yesterday accepted amendments to the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill proposed by Justice Secretary Michael Matheson, that will allow charges arising from such incidents to be brought in the Scottish courts. 

Mr Matheson told the committee: "This is particularly important given that the offence is constituted by a course of behaviour that can occur over time in various places."

He gave the example of a course of abusive conduct, part of which took place while a couple were on holiday in Spain.

The committee also agreed amendments to create a presumption against granting bail in serious cases of abuse, and ensuring that the impact on children is taken into account when offenders are sentenced.