SNP: Gun crime in our sights, says Kenny MacAskill

Published on Sunday 10 April 2011 18:48

A CRACKDOWN on gun crime will be at the heart of the SNP's plans if they win the Holyrood election next month.

Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has also announced that a re-elected SNP government would push for more reform of rape laws, while serious and organised crime prevention orders would be introduced to stop crime bosses running businesses. The SNP will set out its manifesto pledges later this week, but Mr MacAskill said a re-elected SNP government would work with the UK government to establish a ballistics "DNA" database, allowing fired bullets to be matched up to guns.

He said: "The creation of a ballistics DNA database would boost policing intelligence about who buys guns used to commit crime, and therefore help deter gun use and better enable the criminals to be punished."

Under SNP plans for reforming rape laws, judges could direct juries to disregard evidence of a delay in reporting the rape or a lack of resistance from a victim in cases. Mr MacAskill said: "Rape is a horrific crime, and we must do everything we can to ensure those guilty of such despicable offences are brought to justice.

"The SNP government has already done a lot to bring Scotland's sex crime laws up to date, but the fact remains that Scotland's conviction rate for rape is still low in comparison with other European countries.Our plans will mean that those accused of rape will no longer be able to use any perceived delay in reporting a rape or supposed lack of resistance from a victim as part of their defence."

The prevention orders are based on a model in Northern Ireland, which has proved successful.

Holyrood 2011 in full

• Knife crackdown 'to increase prison numbers by 500'

• Lesley Riddoch: Importance of being the opposition

• Pat Watters: Grassroots alternatives to election stodge on offer

• Greens: Homes project under fire

• SNP: Gun crime in our sights, says Kenny MacAskill

• Lib Dems: Tavish Scott admits coalition is 'a challenge'

• SSP: Party wins the support of director Ken Loach

• Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Tavish Scott will be taking part in a live webchat on scotsman.com on Monday, April 11 at 12pm.

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