Fall in racial convictions
12 Jul 05
Number of racial convictions drops 7%
The number of racial offence charges reported last year was up 20.5% to 3,959, according to new figures.
However despite the rise, the number of convictions actually fell 7% to 1,384.
The statistics were released by Lord Advocate Colin Boyd in answer to a parliamentary question asked by SNP MSP Christine Grahame.
Prosecutors and ministers said despite they were not unduly concerned by the fall in convictions.
A Scottish Executive spokesman said that there wasn't a crisis in "any way, shape or form" and that the legal system was working in the favour of victims of racial incidents.