Ellie Wilson expresses outrage over her attacker’s parole hearing date
Glasgow: Ellie Wilson, a brave rape survivor, is speaking out against the Parole Board in Scotland. They’ve scheduled her ex-boyfriend’s parole hearing for Valentine’s Day, which she finds incredibly distressing.
At just 27, Ellie is a justice campaigner. She was in a relationship with Daniel McFarlane when he raped her. She’s asking the Board to pick a different date, one that isn’t so loaded with meaning for her.
Unfortunately, the Board isn’t budging. They’re sticking to February 14 for the hearing, despite Ellie’s pleas. She’s been through so much already, and this just adds to her pain.
Ellie shared her frustration, saying, “Every time I think the justice system can’t get worse, it does.” She’s upset that the hearing falls around the time of her assault, making it even harder for her.
She tried to explain her feelings to the Board, but they were cold and unyielding. It’s disheartening to think that her trauma doesn’t seem to matter to them.
Ellie feels sickened by the whole experience. She believes the system treats victims inhumanely, ignoring their needs and pain. It’s a tough situation, and she’s not alone in feeling this way.
Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon is backing Ellie. She believes the parole board should be more understanding and trauma-informed. Survivors like Ellie deserve better treatment.
McFarlane was convicted of raping Ellie twice between late 2017 and early 2018. He’s currently serving a five-year sentence, but now the possibility of his early release is looming.
Ellie has started a campaign for reform, aiming to improve the rights of victims during these parole processes. She and fellow survivor Hannah McLaughlan are pushing for change, calling the current system flawed.
In the end, it’s about making sure survivors are heard and supported. Ellie’s story is a reminder of the work that still needs to be done in the justice system.
