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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)
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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.
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.
12 April 2006
Community sentence plans for violent abusers
People who beat their partners and later show remorse may escape being jailed under guidelines to tackle domestic violence sentences. The Sentencing Guidelines Council said that offenders who showed "genuine signs of remorse" should be allowed to receive a community order or suspended sentence, instead of a custodial sentence.
Community sentence plans for violent abusers
People who beat their partners and later show remorse may escape being jailed under guidelines to tackle domestic violence sentences. The Sentencing Guidelines Council said that offenders who showed "genuine signs of remorse" should be allowed to receive a community order or suspended sentence, instead of a custodial sentence.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
