32% of non-firearm offences lead to convictions

LESS than one-third of offences for the possession of knives and other non-firearm weapons have resulted in convictions over the past five years, figures have revealed.

An analysis of CSO statistics conveys just how difficult it is for gardaí to secure prosecutions in this type of crime, as from 2003 to 2008, of 13,460 offences carried out with knives, sticks or other weapons, only 4,361 people were convicted.

Fine Gael spokesman on Justice Charlie Flanagan said antisocial behaviour had morphed into London-style knife and gang culture where young people continued to intimidate communities, and were frequently carrying lethal weapons.