Longer sentences for violent crimes welcomed
Holyrood has welcomed figures which show the average custodial sentence for handling an offensive weapon has risen by seven per cent since last year.
The average stretch is now some three times higher than in 2004-05.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson confirmed: “If you are caught carrying a knife or other pointed weapon in Scotland, you are now likely to receive a custodial sentence that is around 90% longer than for the same offences in England and Wales.
Tuesday’s criminal proceedings statistics for 2013-14 showed that the total number of people proceeded against in Scottish courts increased by four per cent in the year.
“This rise has been primarily driven by rises in convictions for motor vehicle offences which increased by 14 per cent.
Overall, the average sentence length for all crimes increased by three per cent compared to the previous year.”
The statistics also showed that convictions for non-sexual crimes of violence declined, in particular homicide and attempted murder and serious assault which fell by 20%: “This can be seen in the context of the long-term fall in violent crime experienced in recent years.
However, the number of people convicted for sexual crimes rose by 22% compared with the previous year: “This follows the recent publication of latest recorded crime statistics which showed a 12 per cent increased in sexual crimes recorded.”
Overall, crime in Scotland had fallen to a 40-year low, with violent crimes down 10% and crimes of handling an offensive weapon reduced by 62% since 2006-07.
“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.
“What today’s figures show is that our courts are ensuring that serious offenders receive lengthy prison sentences.”
Although the number of sexual crimes was still unacceptably high, it was encouraging, he said, to see that the number of convictions for those crimes was up: “We are seeing more victims coming forward and more cases reaching our courts.”
