Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has rejected calls to step in to help a Scottish mum trapped in Malta with her baby son.
Leigha Collins fled Malta last year with her son Hayes after her relationship with his father broke down – but was ordered to return by a Scottish judge under an international anti-child-kidnapping law.
MSP Alex Rowley wrote to Mr Yousaf calling for him to intervene after we revealed the baby’s father, Kyle Borg, had been described in court as having a dependency on drugs and recently pleaded guilty to an assault.
In his reply, Mr Yousaf said: “Scottish ministers are unable to intervene in judicial matters of another country. However, officials advise that protective measures were considered during the Hague case in the Court of Session and the Scottish Court was satisfied that, should Ms Collins require them, there are suitable protective measures available in Malta.”
Leigha, 19, who had to leave older son Alfie, three, in Scotland, broke down in tears at Mr Yousaf’s response.
She said: “I’m thousands of miles from home and kept apart from my older son Alfie and my parents and family.”
Mr Rowley said: “I’m deeply disappointed at this response but will continue to do whatever I can.”
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