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Drop in homicides for second year Knife killing at record high rate
(about 1 hour later)
The number of homicides recorded in Scotland has fallen for the second successive year. The percentage of knife killings are at an all-time high, according to the latest Scottish homicide figures.
The country's chief statistician said there were 99 victims in 2008-09, compared to 115 in 2007-08. Knives were used in 58% of killings in 2008-09, although the total number of homicides fell for the second successive year.
Knives were responsible for 58% of all homicides - the highest percentage ever recorded - and 84% of victims were killed by someone they knew. Scotland's chief statistician said 99 people were killed in 2008-09, compared to 115 in 2007-08.
The figures also revealed 41% of those accused of killing were drunk or on drugs. More than 80% of victims were killed by someone they knew and 41% of people who were accused 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' PEOPLE KILLED WITH SHARP INSTRUMENT 2005-06: 34 (36%)2006-07: 54 (45%)2007-08: 55 (48%)2008-09: 57 (58%)
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 almost three times the rate for females, which was 10 victims per million population.
The highest number of killings were committed in Glasgow but they have been falling steadily from a peak of 39 five years ago to 24 last year.
In Edinburgh, there were four homicides last year, compared to 11 five years ago.
'Deeply worrying'
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.
Scottish Labour called on ministers to back the introduction of a mandatory minimum sentence for knife carriers.
Its justice spokesman Richard Baker said: "It is deeply worrying that for the third year in a row we have seen an increase in the number of people being killed with knives.
"It is high time Kenny MacAskill backed Scottish Labour's plans to get tough on knife crime and supported the introduction of mandatory minimum sentences for knife carriers."