Fall in homicides

The number of unlawful killings in Scotland has fallen to its lowest level since 2000

News, 25 November 2004

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There was a big fall in the number of homicides recorded by the police in Scotland in 2003.

In total 108 victims of homicides were recorded by the police in Scotland last year - 20 fewer than the previous year.

According to the the annual statistical Homicide in Scotland bulletin, published by the Scottish Executive, more than half of killings involved a sharp instrument.

Disturbingly, almost four-fifths of victims knew their attacker, with 20 per cent of those being a partner or relative.

Of the 140 people accused of homicide 39 per cent were drunk, 16 per cent on drugs and 10 per cent were both drunk and on drugs.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson said: "I welcome the decrease in the number of homicide victims last year and the near 20 per cent reduction in knife-related deaths. However, we are far from complacent. Scotland's homicide figures are still too high and too many Scots are still being injured or dying at the hands of knife-wielding young men."

The Scottish Executive this week announced further measures aimed at restricting the availability and use of sharp weapons.

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