Police authority calls for tough sentencing over 'hate crimes'

The Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) is backing an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that calls for an increase in sentences for hate crimes.

At a full meeting of the Authority today, members voted to support the amendment by Lord Dholakia and Baroness Harris of Richmond, which states courts must treat hate crimes as an aggravating factor that increases the sentences for these offences.

The Authority also welcomed the Metropolitan Police Service's recent introduction of 'flagging' of hate crimes committed against disabled and elderly people and its current inclusive campaign to combat hate crimes across all London's communities.

MPA member Kirsten Hearn, who moved a motion to support the amendment, said: "We want to send out a message that hate crime committed against a person simply because of who they are or who they are perceived to be is totally unacceptable and that courts will treat crimes aggravated by hate with the utmost seriousness and as an aggravating factor.

"Increasing sentences for hate crime will give victims more confidence in the criminal justice system and encourage them to come forward to report offences. The move may also deter offenders if they think they will face stiffer penalties."

The Authority resolved to encourage the Met to continue to develop its work in combating hate crimes against all London's communities and ask the Commissioner to publicly support the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill.

Chair of the Authority, Toby Harris, will now write to the Home Secretary to express the Authority's support for the amendment.

(GMcG)