Eight a week in court for attacking 999 staff

A SOARING number of prosecutions for attacks on emergency workers have been brought to Lothian courts – but half of the offenders escaped with only a fine.

New figures revealed that around eight cases are brought every week for attacks on police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

The figures also show that the number of cases rose by 40 per cent in four years, climbing from 294 in 2004-5 to 409 for 2008-9. Of those 409 prosecutions, 200 offenders were given a fine while just 70 were handed a custodial sentence.

The rise in cases was branded "deeply concerning" amid calls for "urgent action", but the increase was also welcomed as evidence that more offenders were being taken to court for breaches of the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act.

The Act makes it an offence to assault, obstruct or hinder someone providing an emergency service.

Gavin Brown, Lothians Tory MSP, who requested the figures in a parliamentary question, said: "It is deeply concerning and urgent action is required.

"We have seen a staggering rise in the last few years in the number of these types of incidents. This is unacceptable.

"We also need to take a zero tolerance approach towards those who threaten and attack our emergency service workers where every offender is prosecuted to the full extent of the law."

In March, the Evening News revealed that 290 attacks against Capital emergency workers were recorded in the 12 months to March last year.

There were a further 96 in West Lothian, 39 in East Lothian and 30 in Midlothian.

A police spokesman said: "Physical and verbal use against emergency service workers will not be tolerated."

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service has previously said that attacks on its crews had come down steadily, from 84 in 2005 to 22 in 2009, largely due to work done by the service within the community to build relationships and understanding of its work.

A fire service spokeswoman said: "Assaulting or obstructing a fire crew during the course of their duties is totally unacceptable and it's right that offenders are prosecuted.

"It is encouraging that more people are being prosecuted for this offence, which will send out the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Emergency workers carry out a difficult job and show commendable courage in doing so.

"The Scottish Government condemns all such attacks and support all moves to clamp down on them."