Tories call for two year jail terms for knife carriers

Published on Wednesday 17 February 2010 14:39

THE Scottish Conservatives today called for anyone caught in Scotland carrying a knife to be jailed for two years.

The party plans to put forward an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Licensing Bill calling a presumption for a two-year jail sentence to be imposed on anyone caught carrying a knife.

The Tories also say anyone using a knife should spend longer behind bars than they do at present.

The Tory proposal comes just a week after Labour lodged an amendment to the Bill in support of mandatory six-month jail sentences for those caught in possession of knives.

Party leader Iain Gray said then: "Labour today is making it clear that if you carry a knife you should go to jail."

He added: "The Tories talk about tackling knife crime but so far they have done absolutely nothing."

But today Mr Aitken branded Labour's proposals as being "woefully inadequate", adding that, with the current system of early release, offenders would get out after "little more than a few weeks inside".

The Tory MSP said: "Knife crime is not a new problem for Scotland but it has grown to epidemic proportions in the past decade. We need to cut crime and save lives."

He continued: "Conservatives want a presumption for a two-year mandatory sentence for carrying a knife.

"Our commitment to abolish early release means two years would actually mean two years. Those who use knives should expect an even longer term in jail.

"If we don't take tough action now, then Scotland's knife crime epidemic will spiral out of all control. If criminals are not afraid of the consequences, they will not think twice about their actions."

Mr Aitken argued a presumption for a two-year sentence would reduce knife crime but would also mean that "where there are genuine mitigating circumstances, court discretion will ensure that in these most exceptional cases the right decision is made".