Homicide in Scotland, 2013-14

1. Introduction

This bulletin presents statistics on the crimes of homicide recorded by the police in Scotland in the period 2004-05 to 2013-14, incorporating information known as at 9 December 2014. The bulletin includes all crimes of Murder and Culpable homicide (common law) but excludes cases of Causing death by dangerous driving, Causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, Causing death by careless driving, Illegal driver involved in fatal accident and Corporate homicide.

Statistics are presented on the number of homicide cases recorded in Scotland, where a single case of homicide is counted for each incident involving Murder or Culpable homicide (common law), irrespective of the number of victims or accused. Victim and accused data are then provided, followed by the circumstances associated with the homicide. Additional details relating to the method, motive and relationship between the victim and the accused are also shown.

Chart 1: Cases initially and currently recorded^1,2 as homicide by the police, Scotland, 1980 to 1994 then 1995-96 to 2013-14

1. Note 5.7 explains the difference between cases initially and currently recorded as homicide.
2. Note 5.8 explains the break in the series for cases currently recorded as homicide.