I'VE BEEN GAGGED

Survivor only allowed to attend thug's parole hearing after she signed confidentiality deal

- RORY CASSIDY

A WOMAN nearly killed by a murderer on home release from prison has said she feels "gagged" after being forced to sign a confidentiality agreement to attend his parole hearing.

Linda McDonald was attacked by brute Robbie McIntosh, who bludgeoned her with a dumbbell while she was in Templeton Woods on the outskirts of Dundee in August 2017.

He was out of jail on home leave from Castle Huntly when he launched the frenzied assault - striking her repeatedly.

Linda said she felt McIntosh's right to privacy took priority over her rights as a victim after she was only allowed to attend his parole hearing if she signed a confidentiality agreement.

She hit out at the move as she felt the hearings were traumatising but she wanted to attend as part of her recovery.

The agreement meant she was only allowed to inform her husband and children of the outcome.