Tories want tougher bail measures

Scotland has some of the worst knife crime figures in Europe

The Scottish Tories have issued a call for reforms to the bail system in a bid to crack down on knife crime.

Conservative MSP Bill Aitken complained the European Convention on Human Rights had taken the granting of bail to "farcical" levels.

Anyone charged with contravening the Bail Act who was also accused of a crime of violence should, he said, be automatically remanded in custody.

The same should apply to those accused of possessing a knife, he said.

"I have serious concerns about the ready availability of bail in the cases of persons accused of carrying knives and other weapons," said Mr Aitken.

He cited a recent day at Glasgow Sheriff Court where there were four cases in the custody court involving possession of knives.

"Each one pled not guilty, trials were fixed for March, and three were given bail," said Mr Aitken.

"Three of these accused were also charged with having committed the latest offence whilst on bail for earlier offences.

"Anyone who is charged with a contravention of the Bail Act and is also charged with a crime of violence or being in possession of a knife should be remanded in custody to await trial."

The terrible consequences of a knife attack in Scotland

The MSP went on: "I am pursuing the matter with the Scottish Executive to find out how many cases there have been of this type during the last year - and I am pretty certain that the figures will be disturbing to say the least.

"There have been instances of murders having been committed by people awaiting trial while on bail and there has to be a significant tightening up of the system or more people would lose their lives unnecessarily."

The Scottish Executive called knife crime "a scourge on Scotland" and pointed to its plans to combat the problem.

But a spokesman said: "Decisions on the use of bail are entirely matters for the courts.

"To ensure compliance with Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, all crimes and offences are now bailable.

"Bail can only be refused by the court in certain circumstances - for example if the court feels the individual is likely to commit another offence."

He added: "We understand the genuine public concern over bail and remand - that is why we have asked the Sentencing Commission to review this area as a priority and make recommendations on the use of bail."