06/12/2012

Board Recommends Tougher Sex Crime Sentencing

Rape and other sex offences could carry tougher sentencing in England and Wales in an effort to recognise the long-term psychological harm they cause.

In a new consultation, the Sentencing Council says judges should closely consider the complex and damaging effect that a crime has on a victim, also suggests judges could give longer sentences to offenders who film their victims.

The Sentencing Council is responsible for trying to ensure consistency in criminal sentencing across all courts in England and Wales and it draws up complex guidelines to assist judges.

The council said that its proposed guidelines for sexual offences aim to update the way the courts deal with 54 crimes, to take into account the tactics and technologies used by offenders, as well as the long-term damage done to a victim.

The guidelines cover almost every sexual offence that is recognised in the UK, from voyeurism to rape, and, if adopted, would play a key role in dealing with people convicted of historic allegations of sexual abuse when victims have come forward decades after the event.

(H)


Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

05 March 2004
Government hails newly created sentencing council
The government has hailed the creation of the new Sentencing Guidelines Council as a step towards "clearer and more consistent sentences" for criminals. The Council, which will hold its first meeting today, will create and revise a comprehensive set of sentencing guidelines for all offences.
09 May 2003
Victims to get say in sentencing
Victims of crime and the police will have a say in setting what the Home Secretary describes as "more consistent sentences" for criminals under plans published today.
15 May 2012
New Guidelines Increase Punishment For Dangerous Dog Offence's
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales have issued new guidelines which say that people who fail to stop their dog harming others should face at least six months in jail. The guidelines are the first issued to judges and magistrates for convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
26 February 2014
New Guidelines Produced For Environmental Crimes
New guidelines for the sentencing of environmental offences have been published by the Sentencing Council. Covering offences like fly-tipping and waste crimes, the guidelines encourage magistrates to use "the highest levels" of fines for serious offenders.
14 March 2013
Sentencing Council Proposes Tougher Fines For Fly-Tipping
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales has called for larger fines to be issued to people responsible for repeatedly dumping waste. Magistrates should impose greater fines more frequently against the most serious offenders, the council, which gives guidance to the courts, says.