The Scottish Sentencing Council welcomes new lay member

The Scottish Sentencing Council has welcomed Dr Jay Gormley as its newest lay member.

Jay brings with him a wealth of knowledge in criminal law and sentencing across Scotland and beyond.

He is an experienced researcher who has worked with a wide range of criminal justice stakeholders, including sentencing guideline issuing bodies, judges, lawyers, prosecutors and the public. Jay is currently an Early Career Researcher Fellow at the University of Glasgow’s School of Law and an Adviser to the Sentencing Academy.

Jay has published numerous journals and book chapters on the topic of sentencing and his work has also been used to evaluate critical aspects of sentencing, data, and case proceedings. He most recently co-authored a literature review submitted to the Scottish Sentencing Council on the topic of sentencing stalking offences in Scotland.

As a new member Jay will assist the Council in its preparation of sentencing guidelines and development of sentencing policy. This includes the current sentencing guidelines in relation to certain sexual offences, domestic abuse offences, sentence reduction for guilty plea, and environment and wildlife crimes.

Chair of the Council, Lord Beckett, the Lord Justice Clerk, said, “I am delighted to welcome Jay to the Scottish Sentencing Council as our new lay member.

“His extensive knowledge and research in criminal justice and sentencing will greatly benefit the Council’s work as we prepare our next sentencing guidelines. I look forward to working with him during his tenure with the Council”.

Dr Gormley was appointed by the Scottish Ministers on 24 February 2025 and will serve on the Council until February 2030. He replaces Dr Hannah Graham, whose term ended on 3 December 2024, when she remained as an advisor until Dr Gormley’s appointment. The Council thanks Dr Graham for her contribution to the Council over the past five years.