Prosecutor for domestic abuse in Scotland unveiled A NEW national prosecutor for domestic abuse is to be introduced in Scotland with a review of the current system to be undertaken, it was announced today. It comes less than a week after former MSP Bill Walker was jailed for 12 months for a string of attacks on his ex-wives. Ann Marie Hicks will take on the new role as Procurator Fiscal for Domestic Abuse which will see her review prosecution policy in these cases. She will also oversee efforts to strengthen the response to domestic abuse cases and raise awareness among prosecutors and the police. Although Walker's one year sentence was the maximum available to the sheriff last week, it provoked criticism that the former MSP's case should have been tried as a more serious "solemn" case with greater sentencing powers available. Ms Hicks said: "Domestic abuse affects communities across Scotland, and can be deeply distressing and damaging for victims and their families. In recent years we have seen huge steps forward in the confidence of victims to report domestic abuse and a step change in the way that police and prosecutors handle such cases. She previously piloted and then led the Domestic Abuse Unit based in COPFS Glasgow office, which is the largest office with the heaviest caseload, feeding into the specialist Domestic Abuse court in the Sheriff Court in the city. Solicitor General, Lesley Thomson QC said cases involving domestic abuse are often among the "most challenging" faced by prosecutors. She said: "There is no doubt that there is continuing public approval for prosecutors to gain further understanding of the best ways in which to support victims and deal proportionately with perpetrators. It is only right therefore to expect that prosecutors will continue to keep policy and approach to this type of crime under review. Anne Marie Hicks will return to an area of work that she piloted by leading the Domestic Abuse Unit which was set up in Glasgow in 2009 and I have asked her to review all areas of COPFS work and training in domestic abuse in consultation with partner agencies ahead of a COPFS domestic abuse conference in Spring 2014. If her review indicates any changes need to be made to prosecution policy then such changes will be prioritised. We will continue to deal with prosecution of domestic abuse by means of robust prosecution policy.