There were 160 convictions for rape and attempted rape in Scotland in 2021-22 – up 105 from 78 in the previous year – new figures show.

The data also indicate that the number of such cases brought to court rose by 123 per cent: from 151 to 336.

Furthermore, the figures reveal that longer custodial sentences are being imposed in rape and attempted rape cases.

In 2021-22, the average prison sentence stood at 2,572 days, or just over seven years. This is an increase of six per cent on 2020-21’s number.

Non-sexual crimes of violence increased by 37 per cent – going from 6,608 in 2020-21 to 9,068 in the following year. There was a 100 per cent rise in people found guilty of murder or culpable homicide, with the number doubling from 24 to 48.

Convictions for sexual crimes were 52 per cent higher in the same period – going from 841 to 1,279.