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the Press Release Index
13th June 2009
Tougher Sentences Needed For Proxy Purchasers
North East MSP Alex Johnstone is calling for
tougher sentences to be imposed on those adults who are
convicted of buying alcohol on behalf of people under the
age of eighteen, after he revealed that in Aberdeenshire,
thirty nine percent of fifteen year olds sourced their drink
from a friend or relative. This is in comparison to
neighbouring Aberdeen City where the figure was twenty seven
percent.
Mr Johnstone said "This figure is especially
alarming given the fact that Aberdeenshire saw the third
highest number of pupils suspended from school for substance
related issues in 2006-2007, a total of twenty five in
comparison to Aberdeen City who suspended fourteen pupils
for the same thing."
"The Scottish Government keeps talking tough
on bringing in new legislation to change Scotland's attitude
to alcohol, but a look at the statistics shows that in
2006-2007, of the 98 people prosecuted for 'proxy
purchasing', nine were found not guilty, twelve were
admonished, one received a community sentence and seventy
six were fined. Since 1977, a grand total of two people
have received custodial sentences for proxy purchasing
alcohol. Surely it would make more sense to rigorously
enforce existing laws and hand down more punitive sentences
rather than indulge in sound bite friendly legislation
announcements."
"Later this year, the maximum penalty for
purchasing alcohol on behalf of a child will be a fine of up
to five thousand pounds, and/or three months imprisonment.
We need to ensure that the judiciary starts to hand down
sentences that reflect the concern that communities have
about drink fuelled anti social behaviour."
"Some adults clearly see nothing wrong in
getting drink for kids, and I have heard of some adults who
help feed their own alcohol addiction by procuring alcohol
for youths in return for a 'share', but this situation is
becoming increasingly serious, and I would respectfully urge
Sheriffs to take into account the misery that anti social
behaviour causes in communities and make sure that not only
does the punishment fit the crime, it acts as a deterrent to
others who may be tempted to do the same.
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