Sexual assaults soar by 42% over last year

SEXUAL assaults, shootings and theft against the person cases have jumped in the third quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2002, new statistics released yesterday show.

However, the number of headline offences that is, serious crime fell by 1% in the last quarter compared to the same quarter last year.

Figures show there were 468 sex crimes in the last quarter, compared to 397 in July-Sept 2002 a rise of 18%.