PRESS RELEASE

June 12th, 2009

Knife criminals dodge prison

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has hit out at new figures that show two out of three knife criminals dodge prison.

The shocking figures show that criminals caught handling offensive weapons are twice as likely to receive a community sentence or fine than a jail sentence.

The official government figures show that in 2007-08, a mere 29 per cent of all those convicted for handling a weapon actually went to jail, 33 per cent were sentenced to serve a community sentence and 27 per cent had to pay a fine.

In the Strathclyde region, which covers Inverclyde, the number rose to just 31 per cent.

In response to the low custodial numbers, Mr McNeil said: "These figures speak for themselves.

"With so few convicted knife criminals actually going to jail it is high time we sent the strongest possible message to those who think it is acceptable to leave the house with a lethal weapon.

"The message that needs to be sent is simple - carry a knife and go to jail."

ENDS