Lord Advocate announces move aimed at hammering knife thugs

Dec 15 2011 Hamilton Advertiser

LANARKSHIRE’S knife thugs are facing stiffer prison sentences.

Anyone caught with a blade in towns within the county over the next six weeks will face up to four years’ jail.

Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland QC, who announced the pilot project on Monday, said: “If the threat of severe penalties for breaking the law deters the serious offence of knife-carrying and prevents one act of violence it will have been a success.”

Under the scheme, anyone caught with a knife in a town centre will be arrested and prosecuted before a sheriff and jury.

The move increases the offender’s potential maximum prison term from one year to four years.

While the Crown have temporarily changed their prosecution policy on knife crime, sheriffs and judges still have the final say on exactly what sentence is imposed.

The Crown initiative will be widely welcomed in Lanarkshire where, following the murder of Blantyre student Reamonn Gormley, more than 11,000 people signed our `Hammer the Knife Thugs’ petition. The petition called for mandatory prison sentences for knife thugs.

Mr Mulholland added: “This new initiative further strengthens our prosecution policy on those caught in possession of a knife.

“The public will wish to enjoy the festive period in our towns and cities without fear. The zero tolerance crackdown should help to deter anyone stupid enough to think about carrying a knife.”

The Advertiser petition was submitted to Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.

Adopting a stance contrary to public opinion, he rejected a call for automatic jail terms for knife crime, arguing that “tough enforcement on the streets backed by education” were key to tackling the problem.

This week, he welcomed the Lord Advocate’s move, adding: “Tackling knife crime is an absolute priority for this Government and we have made clear that Scotland’s prosecutors and the courts have my full backing in using the full force of the law to punish anyone who carries or uses a knife.”

He pointed out that latest statistics showed the number of people caught carrying an offensive weapon was down to its lowest level in a decade, and those caught carrying a knife in Scotland were now being punished through the longest prison sentences in a decade.

“This tough enforcement initiative will ensure our police and prosecutors can better target knife carriers who will be met with a zero tolerance response and face the full force of the law,” added the Justice Secretary.

What’s your view of the Lord Advocate’s move:

SEEKING DETERRENT: Lord Advocatre Frank Mulholland.