This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Homicide in Scotland 2003
24/11/2004
There were 108 victims of homicides recorded by the police in Scotland in 2003 - 20 fewer victims than the previous year and the lowest annual total since 2000.
The annual statistical Homicide in Scotland bulletin, published today by the Scottish Executive, also includes the following key findings:
· The overall homicide rate in 2003 was 21 victims per million population. The rate for males - 38 victims per million population - was over six times the rate for females at six per million population.
· Almost four-fifths of the homicide victims in 2003 knew the main accused either as an acquaintance - 59 per cent - or partner or relative - 20 per cent. For 17 per cent of victims the main accused was a stranger.
· As in previous years, the use of a sharp instrument was the most common method of killing, accounting for 55 victims or 51 per cent of the total.
· At 10 November 2004, 140 persons had been accused of the homicides recorded in 2003. Ninety-three per cent of the accused were male.
· Of those 140 accused, 39 per cent were drunk, 16 per cent on drugs and 10 per cent were both drunk and on drugs. The dink/drug status was not known for 40 (29 per cent) of accused.
· Fifty-nine (55 per cent) of the 108 homicides recorded in 2003 have so far resulted in a conviction for murder (29 cases) or culpable homicide (30 cases). Thirty-one people have been convicted of murder and 34 of culpable homicide.