Clydebank’s MSP has made his case for reforms to post-mortems in Scotland to make the process more dignified for the families of murder victims.

Gil Paterson gave evidence to the justice committee of the Scotland Parliament yesterday for his Member’s Bill, Post-mortem Examinations (Defence Time Limit) (Scotland) Bill.

The Bill was introduced in May this year and is currently at stage one of three.

 Mr Paterson’s push was heavily influenced by delays faced by the family of murdered schoolgirl Paige Doherty. The requirement for two post-mortems significantly delayed funeral arrangements and caused undue distress.

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The new law could create a 14-day time limit that can be extended by a judge for a defence post-mortem.

Mr Paterson said: “After a lot of time and work, We are a step closer to making this Bill a reality, of which I am convinced will make things clearer for grieving families.”