Homicide in Scotland 2016-2017: statistics

Correction to information on main method of killing

This section provides details of a correction made to the Homicide in Scotland 2016-17 National Statistics bulletin, as originally published on the 10th of October 2017.

In the Method section, the main method of killing for two victims in 2016-17 was described as a blunt instrument. Further discussions between statisticians and data suppliers (Police Scotland) have confirmed that these cases would have been better described as a sharp instrument for the main method of killing.

As a result of this correction, the number of homicide victims killed where the main method was a sharp instrument in 2016-17 has increased from 30 (47% of all victims) to 32 (50% of all victims). The number of homicide victims killed where the main method was a blunt instrument in 2016-17 has decreased from 9 (14% of all victims) to 7 (11% of all victims).

This correction is made in line with the Scottish Government’s corporate statement on revisions and corrections.

This correction has no impact on the number of homicide cases, victims, or persons accused of homicide in 2016-17 – as published originally on 10th October 2017. As a result of this correction, statisticians will put in place an additional quality assurance check on this variable prior to future releases.