WIREDGOV

Cabinet Secretary comments on Criminal Proceedings in Scotland statistics.

New figures which show the average sentence for handling an offensive weapon has increased almost three fold since 2003-04 have been welcomed by the Justice Secretary.

Today’s criminal proceedings statistics for 2012-13 also show that the number of convictions for handling offensive weapons is down by half since 2006-07 and by almost 25 per cent in the last year.

The statistics also show a 57 per cent increase in the number of convictions for rape and attempted rape, up from 49 to 77, and a nine per cent increase in the average length of sentences for those found guilty of such crimes in the past year.

Mr MacAskill said:

“Crime in Scotland has fallen to a 39-year low and the 1,000 extra police officers we have put in our communities since 2007 are helping to keep clear up rates at a record high. The decreases in recorded crime in recent years are now impacting on the number of people proceeded against in court – down seven per cent in the past year - and an associated seven per cent decrease in overall convictions.

“What today’s figures show is that our courts are ensuring that serious offenders receive lengthy prison sentences. While convictions for handling an offensive weapon have fallen by 51 per cent since 2006-07, the average sentence on conviction is now 346 days – up 11 per cent in the past year – and three times higher than the average sentence for the same crime in 2003-04. The knife crime figures show that the combination of tough enforcement action, education and diversionary activity is paying off.

“I also welcome the fact that the number of convictions for rape and attempted rape has increased by 57 per cent and that the average sentence to those found guilty has increased by nine per cent in the past year, to more than six and a half years. These types of cases can be harder to prove as they are often committed in private. This demonstrates to victims that our law enforcement agencies and our courts are working hard to tackle these evil crimes, secure the convictions of the guilty and ensure they are appropriately punished.

“Clearly there is more work to be done to remove the barriers to such cases going forward, and that is one of the reasons why we want to remove the unjust requirement for corroboration.”

Notes to editors

The full statistical publication is available at Criminal Proceedings in Scotland, 2012-13.