Sentencing Bill

Huw Letterhead

This Wednesday, 6th December, the Sentencing Bill had it’s second reading in the House of Commons.

The Sentencing Bill is being brought forward to ensure tougher sentences for the most serious offenders and to increase the confidence of victims. It will make sure that the prison estate is used to lock up dangerous criminals for longer, without further criminalising redeemable offenders by trapping them in a merry-go-round of offending.

It contains measures in relation to:

  • Whole Life Orders (WLOs) - WLOs are the most severe form of punishment that the courts can impose. They have no minimum term and no possibility of Parole Board release. They are reserved for the most heinous cases of murder;
  • Serious Sexual Offences Sentencing and Release Arrangements, The provisions in the Sentencing Bill will add rape and other most serious sexual offences to the Sentence for Offenders of Particular Concern (SOPC) regime, meaning that if the court does not hand down a life sentences or an extended determinate sentence (EDS) it must impose a SOPC;
  • A presumption to suspend custodial sentences of twelve months or less, The Sentencing Bill will impose a duty to suspend custodial sentences of 12 months or less unless an exception within the clause applies. The presumption to suspend will apply to offences which pass the custody threshold and where the court considers it appropriate to impose a custodial sentence of 12 months or less.; and
  • Extending Home Detention Curfew (HDC) eligbility Home Detention Curfew (HDC) enables eligible and suitable offenders to be released from prison. This is in order to have a transition period after leaving custody and beginning supervision in the community on licence. They are subject to restrictions that limit their movements, but does mean they can begin reintegrating sooner.
  • Registered sex offenders and terrorist offenders, and some others, are presumed to be unsuitable for the scheme in the absence of exceptional circumstances.

I know how important it is for us locally that we feel safe in our communities. I am confident that this Bill will make a real difference to people’s lives and I look forward to following its progress through Parliament.