Alcohol & knives continue to kill Scots

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill complains that too many lives continue to be lost because of Scotland’s relationship with alcohol.

Newly released figures show that alcohol continues to be a conspicuous feature of a large proportion of homicides in Scotland.

Despite there being a fall in the number of homicides in 2008-09, Mr MacAskill said that the fact that more than two out of five of those accused of homicide were drunk or on drugs - or a cocktail of both - showed that urgent action was required to deal with Scotland’s drinking culture. Drink/drug status of accused, 2008-9 Source: Scottish Government Statistical Release - Homicide in Scotland 2008-9; February 23, 2010

The figures, published by Scotland’s Chief Statistician, also show that knives or other sharp instruments were the cause of more than half of all killings in Scotland.

Mr MacAskill said:

“While fewer people were killed last year than in previous years, that is of no consolation to the families of the victims. And while we can’t turn back the clock, what we can do is work to make Scotland safer and stronger.

“These figures provide further depressing evidence of the toll that Scotland’s drinking culture is taking on this country. Indeed given that the perpetrator is not always apprehended immediately, the real figure for the number of killers who were drunk when they committed the crime is likely to be higher. The figures support the picture painted in last month’s prisoner survey, which showed that half of all prisoners were drunk at the time they committed the offence that saw them end up behind bars.

“So if we successfully tackle Scotland’s drinking culture we can significantly reduce the number of people who get caught up in violent crime. That is why we have outlined a package of measures to help reduce consumption and to encourage more responsible drinking, including minimum pricing to reduce consumption and harm.”

Drink/drug status of accused, 2008-9

Source: Scottish Government Statistical Release - Homicide in Scotland 2008-9; February 23, 2010