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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.
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