Knife crime proposals challenged

Sentences for the possession of a knife are to be increased

The Scottish Executive has been accused of misleading the public over its plan to double maximum prison sentences for knife possession to four years.

SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon said 98% of people convicted of the offence could only be jailed for a maximum of one year.

But First Minister Jack McConnell said tougher sentences would also be brought in for less serious convictions.

She said the new sentences only applied to those tried in higher courts.

Speaking at First Minister's Question Time, Ms Sturgeon said that less than 2% of people convicted of possessing a knife or other offensive weapon were tried on indictment, amounting to 42 people out of 2,800 in 2003.

It is our job to protect people in Scotland and ensure that whatever court they (suspects) are referred to, the maximum sentence is increased Jack McConnell First Minister

She said Mr McConnell had said repeatedly the four-year maximum sentence would apply to anyone convicted of possessing a knife.

But Mr McConnell responded: "Not only are we doubling the sentences for knife crime but we're also increasing the sentences that are available for summary convictions too."

He added that all courts would have the option of increased sentencing and that other planned moves to cut down on knife crime included new police stop-and-search powers.

Ms Sturgeon backed concerns recently raised by Strathclyde Police Chief Superintendent Tom Buchan, the president of the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents.

U-turn

He said the executive's plans, contained in the Police Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill, would have little impact as they would only apply to those prosecuted on the more serious indictment level.

Ms Sturgeon asked: "Is the first minister simply trying to pull the wool over the public's eyes?"

Mr McConnell replied: "Ms Sturgeon has occasionally in the past quoted her legal training in this chamber.

I know we'll all want to wish this weekend's conference well and pledge our continued solidarity with the people of Malawi Nicola Sturgeon SNP

"If she paid more attention during it she might realise that the new one-year maximum (sentence) for summary convictions is in fact a doubling of the sentence in our summary courts."

Mr McConnell said it was a matter for the Crown Office to decide which convictions should be pursued.

He told MSPs: "It's not a matter for politicians to pick and choose in individual cases which courts people are referred to.

"But it is our job to protect people in Scotland and ensure that whatever court they are referred to, the maximum sentence is increased and that we change the culture that leads to much of this knife crime in the first place."

Mr McConnell also welcomed a U-turn by the SNP on the visit to Scotland of Malawi president Dr Bingu wa Mutharika, after Ms Sturgeon gave her best wishes to a conference concerning the country's future this week.

Annabel Goldie questioned the first minister in her new role

Nationalists earlier demanded that the first minister withdraw the invitation for the president to come to Scotland after it emerged he was facing impeachment proceedings by his political rivals.

Ms Sturgeon said: "I know we'll all want to wish this weekend's conference well and pledge our continued solidarity with the people of Malawi."

Mr McConnell said: "I am genuinely pleased that Ms Sturgeon has taken this position this week in relation to the conference and the partnership.

"I hope the co-operation agreement we signed will be supported by all parties in the chamber.

"It will be far more effective if we stand together and united on this matter rather than divided on political grounds."

The first minister also made a firm commitment to end automatic early release for Scottish prisoners.

He was responding to Annabelle Goldie, who was making her debut as acting Conservative leader.