What proportion of rape prosecutions processed through the courts in each of the years 1996-97, 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-2000 ended with v…

The available statistics were published in the reply to question S1W-4882 to which Mr Gallie is referred. In addition, the Crown Office conducted a review of all rape cases that were indicted at the High Court in 1998. The conviction rate, including pleas of guilty and convictions of rape and of lesser offences, was 43%. The acquittal rate was 40%. In the remaining 17% of cases a warrant was issued because of the accused's failure to appear.In Scotland, the crime of rape is defined as sexual intercourse by a man with a woman achieved by the overcoming of her will. Apart from the crime of rape, information cannot be extracted as to the gender of the victim.