Knife crackdown extends court powers

A NEW crackdown on knife crime will see the maximum four year prison sentence for carrying a blade extended to cover additional offences.

Anyone found with a knife on licensed premises, when gang involvement is suspected, at a "hot spot" for violence, on public transport or at a bus or train station will face a jury trial.

Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland said it will allow greater sentencing power for sheriffs and increases maximum prison terms from one to four years.

He said: "Carrying a knife in public is completely unacceptable and a serious offence and those in our society who choose to ignore this will face the full rigour of the law.

"Today, I send out a further warning to those who still carry knives or use knives to harm others - you will, if caught, be prosecuted and could be imprisoned for up to four years."

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill added: "The courts already have the power to impose a four-year sentence for possession of a knife, but with more cases set to be heard by a sheriff and a jury, this new strengthened prosecution policy will mean more offenders now face the toughest of sentences."

There will also be a presumption in favour of prosecution on indictment where the accused has previously been convicted of a relevant offence.