Jail terms for knife crime to increase in Scotland

The Scottish Executive has unveiled plans to increase the maximum penalty for carrying a knife from four to five years’ imprisonment.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill made the announcement earlier this week and said the move emphasises the government’s firm stance against knife crime and sends out a strong message deterring potential criminals.

As well as increasing knife crime penalties, the executive plans to make amendments to legislation to clarify the powers of the courts to impose a consecutive sentence for people who are released from prison but commit another crime before their original sentence has ended.

Mr MacAskill added that legislation to deliver these changes will be brought in at the earliest opportunity through the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, which will be introduced in Parliament next year.

He said: “Sentences for knife possessions are tough and getting tougher – now at their highest for a decade and the highest in the UK.

“The statistics are moving in the right direction and show our approach is working – violent crime is at a 30 year low, there are 44 per cent fewer weapons on the streets since 2006/07 and recorded crimes and offences committed by young people are down by 37 per cent since 2007/08. Education, early intervention and prevention have been vital in helping to achieve these results.

“We also intend to legislate to simplify the law relating to the powers of the court to impose consecutive sentences on offenders who are still serving sentences for previous offences. We have looked at the way the law in this area operates and concluded that it is not as clear as it could be. Scotland is already a safer place to live, but we can always do more. I am confident that these measures and our continuing efforts on education, diversion, and tackling the root causes of violence will continue to make a difference. There is no place for knife crime in our communities.”

Earlier this year, Scotland’s Chief Statistician released figures which showed that crimes of handling an offensive weapon (which includes possession of an offensive weapon, restriction of an offensive weapon and having in a public place an article with a blade or point) have decreased by ten per cent since 2010/11 – a 44 per cent decrease since 2006/07. The latest move is expected to improve on this figure.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan, co-director of the Violence Reduction Unit, which targets all forms of violent behaviour, said: “We welcome any legislation which helps reduce knife crime. Prevention is undoubtedly better than cure when it comes to violence – we need to try and stop the drama before it becomes a crisis, help people understand that carrying weapons and using violence to resolve conflict is wrong long before the police, the courts, the justice system have to get involved.

“There will always be some people who just need locking up and this announcement sends the clear message that knife carrying is unacceptable and those who think otherwise will be punished.”