Knife Crime Hospital Admissions Falling

The number of people being admitted to hospital in England for knife injuries has fallen by 8%, according to new figures released today.

The National Health Service (NHS) findings also reveal that there has been a 14% drop in the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with stab wounds.

However, statistics released from the Home Office last year claimed there had been a 27% fall overall.

At the time of the Home Office release a row between the Office for National Statistics and the government erupted, with Sir Michael Scholar deeming the figures "premature, irregular and selective".

An apology from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, was later issued to MPs in the House of Commons, admitting they had been “too quick off the mark” in releasing the figures.

The information released had suggested that admissions for knife wounds had fallen by 27% in ten areas between July and September 2008, even though statisticians had warned that they were "potentially inaccurate".

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has released figures suggesting more people are being jailed for possession of knives.

The report found that immediate custodial sentences for offences involving possession of a knife or other offensive weapon had risen by almost a quarter (23%).

However, of those who were caught, only a fifth were given immediate jail sentences, but it is still up from 17% to 21%.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said that meant the number getting a custodial sentence had risen by almost a quarter while the number of cautions was down by 31%.

"These figures underline our determination to tackle the scourge of knife crime. And they show that the tough approach is working,” he said.

"The figures show that tougher penalties are being implemented by the courts. Fewer cautions are being issued and we're seeing more community sentences, more suspended sentences and more prison sentences handed out."

Referring to yesterday’s announcement of extra funding to tackle knife crime, Mr Straw said: "Another £5 million has just been dedicated to stepping up the Tackling Knives Action Programme to allow it to continue its work with parents, schools and communities across Britain."

See: Extra £5m To Clamp Down On Knife Crime

(JM/BMcC)