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Murder statistics error revealed Murder statistics error revealed
(about 3 hours later)
Alcohol was a factor in twice as many murders as previously thought due to a mistake in official figures.Alcohol was a factor in twice as many murders as previously thought due to a mistake in official figures.
Last year, figures were published showing drink played a part in 19% of such incidents but the actual figure should have been 41%.Last year, figures were published showing drink played a part in 19% of such incidents but the actual figure should have been 41%.
It means 57 people accused of murder in 2005/6 were reported to have been drunk at the time.It means 57 people accused of murder in 2005/6 were reported to have been drunk at the time.
Just 13 people (9%), not the 41% previously stated, were reported to be under the influence of drugs.Just 13 people (9%), not the 41% previously stated, were reported to be under the influence of drugs.
The Scottish Government said the mistake was produced by statisticians in the previous administration.The Scottish Government said the mistake was produced by statisticians in the previous administration.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the revised figures highlighted the need to tackle Scotland's drinking culture.Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the revised figures highlighted the need to tackle Scotland's drinking culture.
The revised figures further underline the need to take action to tackle Scotland's drinking culture and the violence it fuels in our town and city centres Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill The revised figures further underline the need to take action to tackle Scotland's drinking culture and the violence it fuels in our town and city centres Kenny MacAskillJustice secretary
Mr MacAskill said: "Those in the frontline of dealing with violence, like the police and NHS, know that alcohol has always been a significant factor in homicides.Mr MacAskill said: "Those in the frontline of dealing with violence, like the police and NHS, know that alcohol has always been a significant factor in homicides.
"Following a review by statisticians of the way last year's figures were put together, we now know that alcohol was involved in twice as many homicides as was previously thought."Following a review by statisticians of the way last year's figures were put together, we now know that alcohol was involved in twice as many homicides as was previously thought.
"The revised figures further underline the need to take action to tackle Scotland's drinking culture and the violence it fuels in our town and city centres."The revised figures further underline the need to take action to tackle Scotland's drinking culture and the violence it fuels in our town and city centres.
Mr MacAskill has already proposed a ban on three-for-two and cut-price deals from supermarkets, off-licences and convenience stores.Mr MacAskill has already proposed a ban on three-for-two and cut-price deals from supermarkets, off-licences and convenience stores.
He is giving an additional £1m to local community safety partnerships to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence over the festive period.He is giving an additional £1m to local community safety partnerships to tackle alcohol-fuelled violence over the festive period.