Tough stance on knife crime

THE maximum sentence for carrying a knife is to increase from four years to five years in jail.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said knife crime was a “blight on our communities” and that the tougher terms would send out a strong message. The Scottish Government plans to make the change when next year’s Criminal Justice (Scotland) Bill goes through Parliament.

Mr MacAskill said: “The message I’d send out today is that knives cost lives, the consequences can be devastating and carrying a knife is just not worth the risk.”