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08/11/2004
Punishment for murder should reflect the crime: Blunkett
Home Secretary David Blunkett has today re-stated his commitment to upholding new principles for setting murder tariffs to ensure those convicted of murder receive a punishment that reflects the unique nature and seriousness of the crime.
Mr Blunkett agreed with the response from the Home Affairs Select Committee that murder should be treated differently to all other offences. He re-iterated that the length of time a convicted murderer should spend in prison before becoming eligible for parole should only be reduced by a guilty plea in limited circumstances.
This would include where the offender admits to a crime that was unknown to the authorities or one where there was no evidence - but a cap should be set on the “discount”.
Mr Blunkett said: "We agree with the Home Affairs Select Committee that by making express provisions for murder tariffs in the Criminal Justice Act 2003, Parliament sent a clear signal that murder is to be treated as significantly different from other offences.
"We believe the draft in its present form does not fully reflect the will of Parliament and the public to ensure that those convicted of murder should receive a punishment which matches the heinous nature of the crime."
The response was to two sets of draft guidelines published for consultation by the independent Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC).
Mr Blunkett stressed that he respected the independence of the SGC and welcomed the fact that the guidelines promoted the shared objective of consistent and effective sentencing.
(SP/MB)
Mr Blunkett agreed with the response from the Home Affairs Select Committee that murder should be treated differently to all other offences. He re-iterated that the length of time a convicted murderer should spend in prison before becoming eligible for parole should only be reduced by a guilty plea in limited circumstances.
This would include where the offender admits to a crime that was unknown to the authorities or one where there was no evidence - but a cap should be set on the “discount”.
Mr Blunkett said: "We agree with the Home Affairs Select Committee that by making express provisions for murder tariffs in the Criminal Justice Act 2003, Parliament sent a clear signal that murder is to be treated as significantly different from other offences.
"We believe the draft in its present form does not fully reflect the will of Parliament and the public to ensure that those convicted of murder should receive a punishment which matches the heinous nature of the crime."
The response was to two sets of draft guidelines published for consultation by the independent Sentencing Guidelines Council (SGC).
Mr Blunkett stressed that he respected the independence of the SGC and welcomed the fact that the guidelines promoted the shared objective of consistent and effective sentencing.
(SP/MB)
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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.
