Lamont: Rape is an evil crime and must be punished severely

The latest rape conviction figures have been published, showing a 4% drop.

Just 7% of reported rapes, less than 1 in 15, end in a conviction.

John Lamont MSP, Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesperson, said:

"Rape is a horrific, harrowing crime and must always be prosecuted at the highest level possible. It is clear from these figures that much more needs to be done to ensure those who commit such a heinous crime are properly punished.

"We know that some of the cross-examinations women are forced to sit through in court can be brutal. No one has forgotten the tragic case of Lindsay Armstrong, who took her own life in 2001, shortly after enduring such an ordeal.

"We need some real cross-party consensus to work together on this issue and work towards a goal of improving conviction rates. This is the only outcome that will send a clear message to everyone – rape is an evil crime and must be punished severely."

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