DRINK AND DRUGS ARE LINKED TO HALF OF KILLINGS IN SCOTLAND LAST YEAR

Nearly half of the killings in Scotland last year were carried out by
people on drink or drugs.

However, the number of homicides dropped over the period - after a rise of
nearly one-quarter the previous year.

Official statistics showed the number of deaths caused through stabbing
with a sharp instrument, such as a knife, has gone up.More than half (58%)
of the homicides took place in the Strathclyde Police area, although the
actual number, 66, was 10 fewer than the previous year.

The number of homicides in Glasgow was 30 compared with 11 in Edinburgh.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill yesterday welcomed the slight drop but
vowed to tackle "knife culture".

The figures released by Scotland's chief statistician give the latest
figures on the number of homicides - murder and culpable homicide -
recorded by Scottish police forces in 2007-08.

They showed that there were 114 victims of homicide recorded, compared with
119 in 2006-07.

The homicide rate for males, 36 victims per million population, was four
times the rate for females. Almost half of the killings were carried out
with a sharp instrument - 55 cases (48%), up slightly from 54 (45%) last year.

Mr MacAskill said the most recent recorded crime figures published in
September also showed recorded crime at its lowest for 25 years.

However, he said: "We are not complacent and the latest homicide stats
serve as a stark reminder that there are still far too many people using
knives and that many are doing so while under the influence of drink or drugs.

"This deadly cocktail can so often lead to tragic consequences and that is
why this government is determined to tackle the country's knife culture.

"We welcome the slight reduction in deaths. However, one death is one too
many. That is why we need to continue to challenge and change the bevvy and
blades culture."

The figures also show that 45% of the 148 accused in homicide cases were
reported to have been drunk or on other drugs at the time of the incident,
roughly the same as last year. Of the 111 victims where an accused has been
identified, 80% were killed by someone known to them.

The government is working with the police violence reduction unit on
tougher enforcement and changing attitudes to knife carrying.

Ministers last week announced UKP1.6m for the Community Initiative To
Reduce Violence, which unites police, council, education and health
professionals to try to reduce violence among gangs in the east end of Glasgow.

Bill Aitken, shadow justice secretary, said: "Despite the slight fall in
the number of victims from last year, there has still been a shocking 21%
increase since 2005-06.

"It is a damning indictment of a complete failure to get a grip on justice
issues since devolution. I hope this sends a clear message to the SNP
Government - emptying our prisons and turning early release into even
earlier release is not going to make things better.

Robert Brown, LibDem justice spokesman, said the figures revealed
"Scotland's shame with an endemic macho culture based on alcohol and knives".