Skip to Content

Government plan tougher knife penalties.

The government is planning an increase in the jail term for knife crimes.

The tougher sentencing will apply to those found in possession of a knife whilst in a group; in addition to the tougher sentencing, the law changes will incorporate the filming of violence on social media.

over 29,000 cases recorded in the past 12 months. In excess of 9,000 custodial sentences were handed out in 2015 with an average six month jail term.

The new guidelines could mean sentences up to two and a half years for the most serious incidence.

A number of additional factors that will be taken into consideration when sentencing are-

- Non disclosure or false identity
- The target of the attack
- Social impact

Consideration will also be given to those seeking to humiliate the victim via social media.

Knife crime has risen alarmingly over the past 10 years; concerns are that many individuals carry a knife for protection, which is driven by fear, fear that would be reduced if there was a bigger police presence, or if those carrying knives for protection had a greater trust of authority.

The government has changed the laws covering knife crime a few times over the last ten years to reflect the problem, last year we saw the introduction of the 'two strikes' jail term for adults caught with a knife, however the figures show that almost 50% of those prosecuted argued successfully that there were other factors to their possession and avoided the minimum six months' jail term.

Whilst we must evolve to counteract this type of crime we must learn from mistakes and understand the needs of communities and outreach programs education people on the dangers of knife crimes and its devastating effects.

Without increase or redeployment of resource's we can not increase the visibility of 'bobbies on the beat'.

Increasing custodial sentences may act as a deterrent and an opportunity to educate those offenders; I do not however think the increased custodial sentences will reduce knife possession or crime, a reduction will only be achieved through a combination of factors with a strong influence being on social change and education.

Government plan tougher knife penalties.
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

Fraud Solicitors | Solicitors.com

Fraud Solicitors. Fraud could be described as a deception in order to secure unfair or unlawful gain, usually monetary...

Motoring Offences | Drink Driving.

Motoring Offences - Drink Driving.
If you have been stopped for drink driving it is important that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible and, to assist y..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

The sex offender register

The sex offender register - Guide..

Stalking and Harassment.

Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...

Children and the Law - Car Safety

Up until a child reaches the age of 12, or 135 cm, a child must use a booster or car seat, when a child is not required to use a car seat or booster they must,..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Digital Crime ‘the new front line’.

The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime...

Discrimination at work | Age

Discrimination at work.
A person must not be treated differently to any other employee because of their .....

Totting up points on your driving Licence

Totting up points on your driving Licence.
When a driver accumulates twelve points or more in a three-year period on their driving license they are normally s..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top