THE total number of prosecutions and convictions in Scotland pre-pandemic have fallen by 4% each, according to new figures.
Scotland’s Chief Statistician published the figures yesterday which showed the number of people proceeded against in Scottish courts fell by 4% to 85,726. The number of people convicted also fell at the same rate, down 4% to 75,251.
The statistics show a general downward trend of the past 10 years – with the total number of convictions down 35% in 2019-20 compared to 2010-11.
There were notable falls in the number of convictions compared to 2018-19 for unlawful use of a motor vehicle (18% down, 1358 fewer convictions), shoplifting (9% down, 533 fewer convictions) and drug crimes (11% down, 575 fewer convictions).
However, there was also a rise of 21% for convictions in crimes in the non-sexual crimes of violence group from 1772 in 2018-19 to 2142 in 2019-20. This was also partly due to a rise in the number of convictions for attempted murder and serious assault by 11% from 1166 in 2018-19 to 1298 in 2019-20, and robbery, which increased by 14% from 361 convictions to 410. The number of convictions for homicide remained unchanged over the past year.
The increase in convictions for non-sexual crimes of violence over the same period was also due partly to the introduction of the new crime of domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018. This came into effect and covered a course of conduct committed on or after April 1 2019.Under this new legislation there were 206 convictions in 2019-20, out of the 246 people proceeded against, this gives a conviction rate of 84%.
However, due to a time lag in processing cases making it to court the domestic abuse data is only a partial years worth. There has also been a slight decrease of 2% in the number of convictions for sexual crimes, from 1224 in 2018-19 to 1204 in 2019-20. Within the sexual crimes group, total convictions for rape and attempted rape decreased by 8% from 142 in 2018-19 to 130 in 2019-20.
And, the average length of a custodial sentence for all crimes – excluding life sentences - was almost a year (356 days) in 2019-20. While 22% (16, 296) of people convicted were given community sentences, a 7% increase on the year before.
The average age of those convicted has also risen, with most aged between 31-40 years old (32 convictions per 10000 population).The rate for the 21-30 age group is very similar at 31 per 1000.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here