Offensive Behaviour Act conviction rate falls to lowest in three years

The conviction rate of the Offensive Behaviour at Football legislation has fallen to its lowest in three years – with a third of cases collapsing.

New figures have revealed that, of the 229 cases brought to court last year, just 157 resulted in a conviction.

That means the controversial Offensive Behaviour at Football (Scotland) Act had a conviction rate of 68.5 per cent in 2016/17.

It compares to 75.6 per cent in 2015/16, and 84.4 per cent the year before that.

The Scottish Conservatives said the slump in conviction rates was more proof that the act had to be scrapped, ahead of a stage three debate on the issue next week.

Shadow Justice Secretary Liam Kerr said it was clear sheriffs weren’t convinced by the legislation.

He said: “The fact the conviction rate with this act has slumped to a new low shows again why it has to be dropped.

“Clearly the courts don’t have faith in it as a piece of legislation, and football fans are sick of being victimised in this way.

“The Scottish Conservatives argued from the start that this was a needless move by the SNP, yet still the nationalists are sticking to their guns on this hated law.

“No-one, with the exception of the blinkered SNP, thinks this legislation is fair or reasonable, and it should be axed immediately.”