The Scottish Parliament is set to vote on a controversial bill that would legalise assisted dying for terminally ill adults, sparking a heated debate among lawmakers and revealing divisions within the Scottish National Party (SNP). The bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur, proposes to allow mentally competent adults in the advanced stages of a terminal illness to seek assistance in ending their lives. The vote, scheduled for 13 May, will be a free vote, meaning MSPs will not be bound by party lines but will vote according to their conscience.

Former First Minister Humza Yousaf and current First Minister John Swinney have both voiced their opposition to the bill, citing concerns over the lack of sufficient safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals from potential coercion. Yousaf emphasized the irreversible nature of the decision, stating that the legislation would 'open a door that cannot be closed.' Swinney, who has consistently opposed similar bills in the past, reiterated his stance, highlighting the ethical and legal complexities surrounding the issue.

However, the SNP's unified front appears fractured as Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville announced her support for the bill. Somerville, who represents Dunfermline, acknowledged the profound impact of the issue on individuals across Scotland and stressed the importance of implementing 'enforceable protections' for vulnerable patients. Her decision underscores the personal and moral dilemmas faced by MSPs as they prepare to cast their votes.

The debate over assisted dying in Scotland reflects broader discussions on end-of-life care and individual autonomy. With the bill's progression hinging on the upcoming vote, the outcome will not only shape the future of assisted dying legislation in Scotland but also test the cohesion of the SNP. As MSPs grapple with their consciences, the nation watches closely, awaiting a decision that could redefine the boundaries of life and death in Scottish law.

A former Northumbria Police detective, Sue Thorpe, has been given a suspended prison sentence after a court found her guilty of stalking her ex-boyfriend and misusing police computer data to harass him. The 44-year-old bombarded surfing instructor Barry Henderson with abusive messages and falsely accused him of serious crimes, including being a paedophile, in a year-long campaign following their breakup.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Thorpe's actions were part of a deliberate attempt to damage Mr. Henderson's reputation and his surfing business. She not only sent abusive voicemails, texts, and emails but also used the Police National Computer to illegally access information about him. Thorpe's false allegations were spread to his friends, family, and new partner, and she even set up fake social media accounts and email addresses to further her campaign.

The court sentenced Thorpe to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered her to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation activity days. A 10-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting any contact with Mr. Henderson. The judge highlighted the seriousness of Thorpe's misuse of police resources, noting the potential to erode public trust in law enforcement.

In a victim impact statement, Mr. Henderson described how Thorpe's actions had left him feeling 'physically sick' and as though she was 'on a mission to destroy' him. The case sheds light on the severe consequences of stalking and the abuse of power by those in positions of authority, underscoring the importance of accountability and the protection of individuals from such malicious campaigns.