'˜Justice for Shaun Woodburn' petition reaches over 50,000 signatures

Former Bonnyrigg Rose player Shaun Woodburn

Shaun, 30, was killed when a 17-year-old - who can’t be named - attacked him during a New Year street fight.

The attacker had been part of a gang who assaulted strangers celebrating Hogmanay. They were later involved in a brawl outside Gladstone’s Bar in Leith, which led to Shaun being fatally injured.

The killer was sentenced for the culpable homicide of the Bonnyrigg Rose footballer at Glasgow High Court on Wednesday.

More than 20,000 sign ‘Justice for Shaun Woodburn’ petition

After the verdict. Shaun’s family quickly launched a petition they hope to put in front of the Scottish Justice Minister, Michael Matheson, asking for the punishment to be more severe.

Serving his term at HM Young Offenders Institution at Polmont, his killer could be out after serving only two years. Prisoners in Scotland, given a sentence of four years or less are eligible for release at the halfway point.

Writing on the petition page Shaun’s father Kevin said: “Please support this petition to appeal the sentences given today by Lady Stacey , in the case of my son Shaun Woodburn.

“Shaun was killed in a needless act of violence and if you agree that a 4 year custodial sentence with an 18 month supervisory order DOES NOT represent justice, then please support our petition to the first minister of scotland , and the justice minister for scotland, and finally the Lord Advocate.”

The Crown Office, which has the right to appeal “unduly lenient” verdicts, said it will look at the case but will give no guarantee.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “In line with the independence of the courts from government, Ministers do not comment on, nor have the powers to intervene in individual criminal cases, where sentencing decisions are a matter for the court, taking account of all the information available to them.”

You can sign the petition here.