Latest hate crime figures reveal downward trend

A drop in reported incidents of most categories of hate crime is shown in the official figures for 2014-15, published today.

The report, Hate Crime in Scotland 2014-15, finds that the number of charges reported in all hate crime categories with the exception of disability fell in the 12 months to 31 March 2015 compared to the previous year.

Racial crime remains the most commonly reported hate crime, with 3,785 charges reported in 2014-15, but the figure is down 9% on the previous year and is the lowest number reported since 2003-04. Court proceedings were commenced in respect of 85% of cases.

Sexual orientation aggravated crime is the second most common type, but at 841 the number of charges fell by 5% percent in 2014-15, the first annual fall in charges reported since the legislation introducing this aggravation came into force in 2010. Court proceedings were commenced in respect of 89% of incidents.

The number of religiously aggravated charges reported, at 569, is at its lowest level since 2004-05. Court proceedings were commenced in respect of 86% of charges. A further 48 charges that might have been brought were prosecuted under the offensive behaviour at football legislation, giving a combined total 3% down on the previous year. The total number of charges reported in 2014-15 under s 1 of the offensive behaviour at football statute was down 6% at 193.

In contrast, disability related hate crime was 20% higher at 177 charges reported. There is a broad consensus however that this type of crime continues to be underreported compared to other forms of hate crime. Court proceedings were commenced in respect of 82% of charges reported.

In each of these categories a number of charges were not separately prosecuted but may have been incorporated into other charges for the same accused which were prosecuted.

There were also 21 charges relating to transgender identity, a similar number to previous years, and five under s 6 (thrteatening communications) of the Offensive Behaviour etc Act, down from 11 the previoius year and 19 in 2012-13.

Commenting on the figures the Lord Advocate, Frank Mulholland QC said: “One of my key priorities as Lord Advocate is to tackle hate crime in Scotland and the figures published today show that Scotland is becoming a more tolerant and diverse country. There is no place for complacency though and we will continue to work to ensure the downward trend continues in the coming years.

“Although there are many positives in the figures, there are some causes for concern. The number of cases Involving Islamophobia and antisemitism have both risen by 23 and 16 respectively. I want to reassure these communities that the full force of the law will be brought to bear on anyone engaging in this hateful and divisive conduct and would urge victims of all forms of hate crime to come forward and not suffer in silence.

“I’ve previously stated that I believed disability-related crimes were under reported compared to other hate crimes and feel that is still the case. Following a lot of hard work and interaction with the disabled community, however, this is beginning to change with an increase of 20% on last year. I would hope that in the disabled community increased confidence in police and prosecutors will encourage more people to report these crimes in future."

He added: “I am particularly pleased to see racial and religiously aggravated offending at their lowest levels for a decade, and football related hate crimes also reducing.

“There is absolutely no place in modern Scotland for individuals who commit crimes motivated by prejudice towards a person’s race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.

“A prosecution rate of more than 80% demonstrates that offending, motivated by prejudice, will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be dealt with robustly by Scotland’s prosecutors.”