PRESS RELEASE

June 1st, 2010

New backing for knife crime

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP has welcomed news that a top cop has broken ranks and shown support for mandatory sentences for knife criminals.

Chief Superintendent David O’Connor, the new president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents, admitted that it was 'increasingly difficult to oppose calls for the introduction of a minimum mandatory period of imprisonment of six months for any person carrying a knife, or indeed a bladed weapon, in a public place'.

The police chief insisted he would support the introduction of a mandatory three-month residential course outwith the confines of prison as a first measure.

This came in the week that Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill launched a bid to block tough action on knife crime by tabling amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill.

Duncan McNeil MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde said: "When this campaign started out, it was dismissed by those who claimed to know better as a non-starter.

"Since then, tens of thousands of members of the public have signed up, nearly half of Scotland's MSPs and now a leading police officer has admitted serious action is required.

"This is another step in the right direction and it is clear we are winning the argument for tough action on knife crime."

ENDS