There is a knife crime epidemic sweeping across Scotland, with 40% of all homicides being carried out by a sharp instrument. We also see that half of all homicides are committed by people high on drink and drugs, which is a damning indictment of a complete failure to get a grip on justice issues since devolution.
This is truly worrying and shocking news.
Knife crime is never acceptable but for it to take the life of two people in Lanarkshire in the past month is utterly deplorable.
A hugely popular local youngster Reamonn Gormley, a young man of just 19 years with so much to look forward to in life is unthinkable as is the senseless murder of 63-year-old David Goodhall, who was stabbed to death during a violent attack in his Airdrie home.
We must be tough on those carrying knives as well as those willing to use them. Unfortunately the Scottish Government aren't. Thankfully, due to the insistence of the Scottish Conservatives, we have an extra 1,000 Police on Scotland's streets to help reduce crime on our streets.
Prevention is always better than cure and education about knife crime and it's devastating effects are vital. Personally speaking, I would welcome minimum mandatory sentences for anyone caught carrying a knife for any reason other than that of it's intended use.
Central Scotland's Scottish Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell, the party’s spokeswoman on justice is also backing this campaign. She said: “I wholeheartedly support the Advertiser's campaign against knife crime which will play a significant role in sending out a stark message that it is never acceptable to carry a knife.”
“The tragic events surrounding the needless and futile murder Reamonn Gormley, an exemplary young man with a bright future ahead of him, must serve as a wake up call for sentences that do deter this kind of mindless violence which no reasonable person could ever understand.”
The Homicide in Scotland figures can be found here
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