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The bulletin for Criminal Proceedings in Scotland for 2016-2017 presents figures which show that there has been an 8 per cent decrease in crime figures over the last year. This figure applied both to those who were proceeded against in court (107,338), and those who were subsequently convicted (92,334).
National Statistics which were published previously on recorded crime for 2016-2017 found that crime had dropped by over 33% over the last decade. This drop that was seen over the last 10 years means that crime is at a 43-year-low in Scotland.
In 2007-2008, the number of people given a prison sentence was 16,762, while in 2016-2017, the number fell to 12,690. While a reduction in the number of crimes which are being committed in Scotland has meant that there are a lower number of prison sentences, the percentage of those who have committed offences who are sent to jail has remained similar. In 2016-2017, the number of those convicted who were sent to jail was 14 per cent, while in 2007-2008, this figure was 13 per cent. Excluding life sentences, the average length of sentences which are being passed out is 26% higher than it was a decade ago.
The percentage of people who have received a community service order has seen an increase over the last 10 years, up to 20 per cent from 13 per cent. This has been boosted by the introduction of community payback orders, which work to support individuals and help reduce the chances of them reoffending, as well as benefitting the local community by providing unpaid work.
Michael Matheson, the Justice Secretary, said: ‘Scotland’s courts continue to sentence those who pose significant risks to public safety to imprisonment, with more than a third (37 per cent) of those convicted of sexual offences last year being jailed compared to just under a quarter (24 per cent) in 2007-08.
“The Scottish Prison Service works every hour of every day to support the rehabilitation of those serving long-term sentences in custody – helping to reduce their likelihood of reoffending and so contributing to keeping crime down and communities safe.’
He said that they were able to help those working hard in prisons by offering more ‘robust’ community sentences for the offenders for whom a short custodial sentence would be ineffective.
Mr Matheson also spoke about the low conviction rates in Scotland for rape and attempted rape. He said that the evidence which is required to prove a crime like this makes it difficult to have higher conviction rates. He added that the government has, and continues to, strengthened the law on this where they can, and changed the way in which cases like these are dealt with.
He also spoke of the preventative work which they do, saying that they provide education on gender-based violence, something which the community must continue to speak out against.
If you require criminal defence for any reason, contact one of our well respected team in Dunfermline on 01383 441 812, Kirkcaldy on 01592 550, 264, or Alloa on 01259 245 411, or complete our online enquiry form here.
