Maximum hate crime jail term to be five years
THE maximum jail term for sectarian hate crimes will rise from six months to five years under plans being considered by the Crown Office.
Outgoing Lord Advocate Elish Angiolini has also revealed that a specialist unit to tackle sectarianism in Scotland will be set up.
The moves, sparked by growing concern over sectarian tensions at Old Firm games, would mean online death threats and religious hatred will become an indictable offence, meaning those convicted can receive up to five years in jail. Punishment for such offences is currently limited to six months.
Ms Angiolini said a new football-related breach of the peace charge was also to be introduced, to allow sheriffs to take tougher action against seasoned soccer thugs.
In another initiative, Crown officials will review all sectarian offences committed over the past year.
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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