• Text size
  • Send this article to a friend
  • Print this article

Opposition pour scorn on latest crime statistics

The Scottish Government and opposition parties have tussled over the latest crime statistics after figures showed longer sentences for those found handling a knife.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the findings were a wake-up call for criminals, but the Tories accused ministers of spinning the facts, pointing out that the majority of people convicted of possessing weapons avoided a jail term.