PE1898/C – Make entering someone’s home without their permission or warrant a crime
Thank you for your letter dated 5 November 2021 seeking the views of COPFS on the proposed action within Petition 1898.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) recognises that people in Scotland should feel safe and secure within their own home.
In response to the Petition raised by Ms Gow, it may be useful to highlight that prosecutors apply the published Prosecution Code in relation to cases reported to COPFS. The individual facts and circumstances of each case are considered when assessing what prosecutorial action, if any, is in the public interest and any appropriate charges.
Prosecutors take into account factors including, but not restricted to, the nature of the offence, any previous offending history by an accused, the circumstances of any victim or witness (including vulnerabilities) and the circumstances of the accused person.
There are various offences, both statutory and at common law, which may be relevant in circumstances where a person enters the home of another without permission. These include:
This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. As highlighted above, the facts and circumstances of each case will determine what, if any, charge is appropriate.
Any decision as to whether there should be a separate offence to respond to the specific circumstances narrated in the Petition is a matter for the Scottish Parliament.
I trust this information is of assistance.
Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee
PE1898/A - Make entering someone’s home without their permission or warrant a crime
Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee
PE1898/B - Make entering someone’s home without their permission or warrant a crime