Substances fuel violence

NEARLY half of all violent crimes carried out in Lothian and Borders were aggravated by alcohol or drugs, a new study has found.

A total of 43 per cent – or 599 crimes – involving violence between last April and December were committed by an offender who had been drinking or taking drugs.

Analysis by police found that 17 per cent of all crimes involved drink or drugs, including 12 per cent of sex crimes and five per cent of thefts.