Rory's body was found about a mile from Mr Harris' house

First Minister Jack McConnell said he wanted to take on board any lessons which needed to be learned before unveiling proposals.

The release of suspected sex offenders on bail has been questioned as the murder inquiry continues.

The SNP said those suspected of such serious charges should not be freed.

A man whose body was discovered by police investigating Rory's death had appeared in court charged with abusing three girls, but failed to return after being granted bail.

SEQUENCE OF EVENTS February 28: Simon Harris appears in court charged with lewd and libidinous behaviour. Bail granted August 18: Rory goes missing August 21: Rory found dead August 22: Simon Harris fails to attend court hearing. Arrest warrant granted August 28: Simon Harris found dead at home

Simon Harris, 37, was found dead at his home in Livingston, West Lothian, on Sunday.

Neighbours have suggested that Mr Harris fitted the description of a man detectives wanted to trace in connection with Rory's death.

The 11-year-old's body was found in woods on 21 August, three days after he disappeared.

Police have refused to comment on that claim, or reports that Mr Harris hanged himself.

However, it has emerged that he appeared at Linlithgow Sheriff Court in February accused of abusing three girls between 1993 and 2000.

Mr Harris was released on bail, but failed to turn up in court on 22 August.

Granted bail

A warrant was granted for his arrest but Lothian and Borders Police said they had not been notified.

SNP justice spokesman Kenny MacAskill said that where a warrant was granted in such a case, it should be dealt with quickly.

And he told BBC Scotland: "We need to ask why someone on serious charges against children is granted bail.

Mr Harris' body was found at a house in Livingston

"This is a perennial battle between the rights of individuals and the presumption of innocence and the need to safeguard children.

"In terms of serious offences, where a charge is made, the person should be remanded pending trial."

Mr McConnell said an announcement was due "very soon" on bail, on sex offenders in the community and on further reforms of the courts.

He said these would be updated as a result of events in West Lothian.

"We will look very carefully at what has happened here, learn the lessons if there are lessons to be learned and make sure that any additional measures we have to propose are included in the proposals we are putting forward in the weeks ahead," he said.

Tories' concern

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson has not ruled out a public inquiry into Rory's death.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives' justice spokeswoman Annabel Goldie has written to the Lord Advocate about the operation of the bail system.