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09/05/2003
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.
A new body - the Sentencing Guidelines Council - will set a framework for all offences and will include members drawn from the police, probation and prison services and victims of crime, along with representatives from the legal profession.
David Blunkett said that the current system can lead to "big variations" in sentences given around the country. He claimed that in Leeds, 39% of house burglars were sentenced to immediate custody in 2001, for example, compared to 21% in Teeside.
"That is why it is important to broaden the basis on which these decisions are made and deliver greater consistency," he said.
The Sentencing Guidelines Council will be created as soon as possible after the Criminal Justice Bill becomes law.
For the second time in three days, Mr Blunkett has slapped down the judicial system over its sentencing procedures.
On Wednesday, proposals on sentencing for murderers were published providing that "life will mean life" for what Mr Blunkett described as "the most serious offenders".
The new sentencing 'principles' set out that anyone who abducts and murders a child should never be released from prison. Whole life terms could also be imposed for terrorist murder or multiple murders which are premeditated, sexual or sadistic. The tariff for other categories of murder, such as the murder of a police or prison officer in the course of duty, or racially motivated murder, a minimum term of 30 years imprisonment could be passed – an increase of 10 years on current sentencing practice.
Also, under the government's Criminal Justice Bill – which is passing through the Commons at the moment – civil liberties group, Liberty, have raised concerns over measures that will see the right to trial by jury curtailed, the abolition of double jeopardy (where a defendant cannot be tried twice for the same crime), and the admissibility in court of a defendant's previous misconduct.
The Criminal Justice Bill also contains provisions to ensure that dangerous offenders can be kept in prison for as long as they continue to pose a risk to the public.
The head of the judiciary, Lord Irvine, who also sits on the Cabinet, will not welcome further Home Office intrusion into the legal system. Especially after Britain's most senior judge, Lord Justice Wolff, was publicly criticised by Mr Blunkett over his own sentencing guidelines.
Last November, the law lords removed the power of the Home Secretary to set tariffs on how long murders should remain in prison.
(GMcG)
A new body - the Sentencing Guidelines Council - will set a framework for all offences and will include members drawn from the police, probation and prison services and victims of crime, along with representatives from the legal profession.
David Blunkett said that the current system can lead to "big variations" in sentences given around the country. He claimed that in Leeds, 39% of house burglars were sentenced to immediate custody in 2001, for example, compared to 21% in Teeside.
"That is why it is important to broaden the basis on which these decisions are made and deliver greater consistency," he said.
The Sentencing Guidelines Council will be created as soon as possible after the Criminal Justice Bill becomes law.
For the second time in three days, Mr Blunkett has slapped down the judicial system over its sentencing procedures.
On Wednesday, proposals on sentencing for murderers were published providing that "life will mean life" for what Mr Blunkett described as "the most serious offenders".
The new sentencing 'principles' set out that anyone who abducts and murders a child should never be released from prison. Whole life terms could also be imposed for terrorist murder or multiple murders which are premeditated, sexual or sadistic. The tariff for other categories of murder, such as the murder of a police or prison officer in the course of duty, or racially motivated murder, a minimum term of 30 years imprisonment could be passed – an increase of 10 years on current sentencing practice.
Also, under the government's Criminal Justice Bill – which is passing through the Commons at the moment – civil liberties group, Liberty, have raised concerns over measures that will see the right to trial by jury curtailed, the abolition of double jeopardy (where a defendant cannot be tried twice for the same crime), and the admissibility in court of a defendant's previous misconduct.
The Criminal Justice Bill also contains provisions to ensure that dangerous offenders can be kept in prison for as long as they continue to pose a risk to the public.
The head of the judiciary, Lord Irvine, who also sits on the Cabinet, will not welcome further Home Office intrusion into the legal system. Especially after Britain's most senior judge, Lord Justice Wolff, was publicly criticised by Mr Blunkett over his own sentencing guidelines.
Last November, the law lords removed the power of the Home Secretary to set tariffs on how long murders should remain in prison.
(GMcG)
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07 May 2003
'Life means life' for murderers says Blunkett
Under new proposals on sentencing for murderers, "life will mean life" for what the Home Secretary describes as "the most serious offenders". The new sentencing 'principles' provide that anyone who abducts and murders a child should never be released from prison.
'Life means life' for murderers says Blunkett
Under new proposals on sentencing for murderers, "life will mean life" for what the Home Secretary describes as "the most serious offenders". The new sentencing 'principles' provide that anyone who abducts and murders a child should never be released from prison.
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.
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.
05 January 2004
'Life' tariff increased for heinous murders
From today, the start of the new legal year, life will mean life for the most heinous murderers.
'Life' tariff increased for heinous murders
From today, the start of the new legal year, life will mean life for the most heinous murderers.
26 April 2010
Blue Lagoon Murderers For Sentencing
The family who kept a vulnerable man as their slave then killed him, cut up his body and dumped it in a Bedfordshire beauty spot are due to be sentenced. Michael Gilbert, 26, was tortured for his benefit money by the extended Watt family at their home in Luton.
Blue Lagoon Murderers For Sentencing
The family who kept a vulnerable man as their slave then killed him, cut up his body and dumped it in a Bedfordshire beauty spot are due to be sentenced. Michael Gilbert, 26, was tortured for his benefit money by the extended Watt family at their home in Luton.
08 June 2011
Clarke's Early Guilty Plea Plan Scrapped
The Justice Secretary's sentence cut plan for early guilty pleas across England and Wales are now be scrapped. The news comes following Tuesday's meeting between the Prime Minister and Ken Clarke. Labour Leader, Ed Miliband urged David Cameron to give confirmation that plans had been "torn up" and described prison policy as a "total mess".
Clarke's Early Guilty Plea Plan Scrapped
The Justice Secretary's sentence cut plan for early guilty pleas across England and Wales are now be scrapped. The news comes following Tuesday's meeting between the Prime Minister and Ken Clarke. Labour Leader, Ed Miliband urged David Cameron to give confirmation that plans had been "torn up" and described prison policy as a "total mess".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
