27/03/2012
Tougher Community Sentences Proposed
Ministers are to reveal plans for tougher community sentences for offenders in England and Wales.
Approximately 170,000 people a year are given community sentences but ministers argue that they are too lenient. New proposals include wider use of tagging with GPS tracking and intensive punishment orders including curfews and travel bans.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have said that trials show community sentences are cheaper and cut re-offending.
However, probation union Napo said tougher sentences may see more offenders fail to meet their requirements.
The MoJ said its aim wasn’t necessarily to reduce the numbers in prisons, but the new community sentences could allow courts to impose fewer sentences of less than 12 months, which are often thought to do more harm than good.
"We are overhauling community sentences to ensure they are tough, credible and robust," Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke will say in a statement later.
"Criminals must be punished for their crimes, they must pay back to communities and victims for their crimes and they must be reformed.
"If we can get criminals to return to a law-abiding way of life, we stop them committing more crime against more victims."
(H)
Approximately 170,000 people a year are given community sentences but ministers argue that they are too lenient. New proposals include wider use of tagging with GPS tracking and intensive punishment orders including curfews and travel bans.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) have said that trials show community sentences are cheaper and cut re-offending.
However, probation union Napo said tougher sentences may see more offenders fail to meet their requirements.
The MoJ said its aim wasn’t necessarily to reduce the numbers in prisons, but the new community sentences could allow courts to impose fewer sentences of less than 12 months, which are often thought to do more harm than good.
"We are overhauling community sentences to ensure they are tough, credible and robust," Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke will say in a statement later.
"Criminals must be punished for their crimes, they must pay back to communities and victims for their crimes and they must be reformed.
"If we can get criminals to return to a law-abiding way of life, we stop them committing more crime against more victims."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 February 2004
Benefits sanction scheme for offenders extended
A pilot exercise where offenders who breach their community sentences face losing benefits will be extended for another year, it has been announced. An independent evaluation report on the sanctions policy tested in four pilot areas – Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Teesside and West Midlands – showed that there has been a small (1.
Benefits sanction scheme for offenders extended
A pilot exercise where offenders who breach their community sentences face losing benefits will be extended for another year, it has been announced. An independent evaluation report on the sanctions policy tested in four pilot areas – Derbyshire, Hertfordshire, Teesside and West Midlands – showed that there has been a small (1.
09 May 2008
Schoolboy Killers Sentenced To Life
Two teenagers have been given life sentences for the murder of a schoolboy. Kodja Yenga, 16, was stabbed in the heart in a gang ambush in Hammersmith, west London, in March last year. Tirrel Davis, 17, and 14-year-old Brandon Richmond have been ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years behind bars.
Schoolboy Killers Sentenced To Life
Two teenagers have been given life sentences for the murder of a schoolboy. Kodja Yenga, 16, was stabbed in the heart in a gang ambush in Hammersmith, west London, in March last year. Tirrel Davis, 17, and 14-year-old Brandon Richmond have been ordered to serve a minimum of 15 years behind bars.
10 December 2008
Justice Minister Continues Funding Support For Community Sentences Project
Further funding to fight local crime has been developed with the Community Sentence (LCCS) project making an agreement with Justice Minister David Hanson MP for the next year to support the work they do to engage with local communities.
Justice Minister Continues Funding Support For Community Sentences Project
Further funding to fight local crime has been developed with the Community Sentence (LCCS) project making an agreement with Justice Minister David Hanson MP for the next year to support the work they do to engage with local communities.
27 November 2012
Longer Sentences Given For Serious Crimes
Scotland's Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has welcomed new figures which show the courts are taking tougher action against offenders who do the most harm to our communities.
Longer Sentences Given For Serious Crimes
Scotland's Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has welcomed new figures which show the courts are taking tougher action against offenders who do the most harm to our communities.
08 April 2004
Police chiefs demand stiffer sentences for serious road crimes
Sentences for serious motoring offences should be stiffened or police forces will risk losing the "vital support" of the public, an association of top policemen has claimed.
Police chiefs demand stiffer sentences for serious road crimes
Sentences for serious motoring offences should be stiffened or police forces will risk losing the "vital support" of the public, an association of top policemen has claimed.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.