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Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jack Straw (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 17 May 2011 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Sentencing

Question
At present, a defendant entering an early guilty plea will earn up to a third off the sentence that would otherwise apply. The Government are proposing to replace that with a discount of a half, a move which is opposed by the judiciary and many others. How on earth will giving a half off a sentence help to protect the public?
Answer

I would have thought that a moment's reflection would make that clear. Let us suppose that someone who is accused of rape co-operates with the authorities at the first opportunity, rather than puts their victim through the entire process of having to be prepared to give evidence and then having to give evidence. That is one example where there is a definitive benefit to the victim from encouraging the earliest possible guilty plea.

Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
528 c140 
Session
2010-12
Oral question type
Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Sentencing
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk