COPFS

Criminals will not be the winners in the 2014 Commonwealth Games

Scottish prosecutors will use the full range of their powers to protect the interests of legitimate businesses and their hard working staff in the run up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games by cracking down on fraudsters.

Any major sporting event can be a target for organised criminals looking to profit, whether it is from ticket touting, selling counterfeit goods or property scams.

The Lord Advocate has issued a strong deterrent message to fraudsters warning they could face sentences of up to five years in jail and an unlimited fine or be prosecuted using proceeds of crime legislation and the loss of their homes, cars or other assets linked to crime.

Retained organs

The Lord Advocate has the sole authority in Scotland to investigate any death which requires further explanation.

When a person dies in Scotland, they cannot be buried or cremated until a medical certificate giving the cause of death has been issued. This certificate must be completed by a doctor, and must show the time, place and cause of death. Most deaths which are reported to the Procurator Fiscal are reported because a doctor is unable to confirm the cause of the death and is therefore unable to issue a death certificate.

Solicitor General welcomes Equally Safe strategy

This new strategy, developed by the Scottish Government, COSLA and a range of partners sets out plans to eradicate all forms of violence against women and girls, aiming to create a society where all can feel equally safe and respected.