MSP in town of slain teenager Reamonn Gormley hits out after knife deaths soar by 74 per cent

Dec 22 2011 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

THE MSP in the town of murdered teenager Reamonn Gormley has hit out after knife deaths have soared by a staggering 74 per cent in the past year.

Blantyre MSP James Kelly, who had been justice spokesman and is newly-appointed as Scottish Labour’s chief whip, slammed the Scottish Government after the number of homicide victims across Scotland rocketed by 18 per cent in the last year.

There were 97 homicide victims in Scotland in 2010-11.

Nearly seven out of 10 killings take place in a residential location.

And 79 per cent of those accused of homicide were under the influence of alcohol or drugs, with over half under the influence of alcohol.

Mr Kelly backed the Advertiser’s “Hammer The Knife Thugs” campaign which was signed by more than 11,000 people.

The petition – sparked by the shocking death of Glasgow University student Reamonn Gormley, called for tougher sentences on people who carry and use knives.

Earlier this month, evil brute Daryn Maxwell (23), of Blantyre, was caged for 19 years for murdering the popular sport science student in Blantyre’s Glasgow Road on February 1.

Barry Smith (19), of Blantyre, was jailed for eight years and three months for culpable homicide.

Mr Kelly said: “It is deeply concerning that knife killings have increased by 74 per cent in the last year alone – and now account for a greater proportion of killings in Scotland than at any point in the last decade.

“The SNP are quick to blame drink and drugs, which of course we must tackle, but that does not explain why knives, overwhelmingly, continue to be Scotland’s weapon of choice.

“These statistics underline the need for the SNP government to place a renewed focus on tackling violent crime, especially knife crime, reducing reoffending and placing victims at the heart of the justice system again.

“Scottish Labour will continue to speak up for the victims of knife crime and press the SNP government for the tough action the public and knife crime campaigners so desperately want.

“The message needs to be sent loud and clear that it is never, ever, acceptable to carry a knife on the streets of Scotland.”

Justice Secretary Kenny McAskill says he takes the figures seriously and claimed that the government will continue to work tirelessly to make Scotland a safer place.

“Every single life lost is one too many and every murder is a horrific tragedy for families, loved ones and for communities,” he added.

“The statistics speak for themselves – most murders and culpable homicides are

carried out indoors, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, by someone known to the victim.

“These senseless acts are usually carried out by men, under the influence of cheap booze and drugs.

“Police cannot patrol every home and every doorstep, but we can take steps to stop these dreadful crimes taking place.

“Tough enforcement backed by education is key to tackling knife crime.”

The minister added: “Ending Scotland’s knife culture is not going to be an easy task – every incident or life lost, as these tragic cases show, is one too many.

“However, we are working hard to tackle the problem across the country and there will be absolutely no let-up in our efforts.”