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Homicide rate 'lowest in years' Drop in homicides for second year
(20 minutes later)
The number of homicides recorded in Scotland has dropped to its lowest level for four years. The number of homicides recorded in Scotland has fallen for the second successive year.
The country's chief statistician said there were 99 victims in 2008-09, compared to 115 in 2007-08.The country's chief statistician said there were 99 victims in 2008-09, compared to 115 in 2007-08.
Knives or other sharp instruments were responsible for 58% of all homicides, and 84% of victims were killed by someone they knew. Knives were responsible for 58% of all homicides - the highest percentage ever recorded - and 84% of victims were killed by someone they knew.
The figures also revealed 41% of those accused of killing were drunk or on drugs.The figures also revealed 41% of those accused of killing were drunk or on drugs.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said too many lives continued to be lost because of Scotland's relationship with alcohol.Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said too many lives continued to be lost because of Scotland's relationship with alcohol.
'No consolation''No consolation'
He said: "While fewer people were killed last year than in previous years, that is of no consolation to the families of the victims.He said: "While fewer people were killed last year than in previous years, that is of no consolation to the families of the victims.
"These figures provide further depressing evidence of the toll that Scotland's drinking culture is taking on this country."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.""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 homicide rate for males, 28 victims per million population, was nearly three times the rate for females, which was 10 victims per million population.The homicide rate for males, 28 victims per million population, was nearly three times the rate for females, which was 10 victims per million population.
Mr MacAskill said if Scotland's drinking culture could be "significantly" reduced the country would see a corresponding drop in the number of people who got caught up in violent crime.Mr MacAskill said if Scotland's drinking culture could be "significantly" reduced the country would see a corresponding drop in the number of people who got caught up in violent crime.
"Hand in hand with action on alcohol we are taking tough action on those who carry and use knives," Mr MacAskill added."Hand in hand with action on alcohol we are taking tough action on those who carry and use knives," Mr MacAskill added.