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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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Child sex juries to hear of certain previous convictions
In a major shake-up of criminal trial procedure, previous convictions will be revealed to juries in child sex cases, the Home Office has announced today. Under an order laid before Parliament today, people convicted of child sex or theft offences can expect to have their record revealed in court if they are charged again with similar offences.
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Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
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Volunteers 'crucial' to successful London Olympics
Volunteers could play a crucial role if the 2012 Olympics were held in London, Home Secretary David Blunkett said today. Around 10,000 volunteers aged from 16 to 87 were essential to the success of the Commonwealth Games in Manchester two years ago, and more than 60,000 helped out at the Sydney 2000 Games.
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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.
