Written question asked by Humfrey Malins (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 July 1997. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Thursday, 10 July 1997 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept;Court Service

Question: What proportion of all Crown Court cases in 1996 resulted in a non-custodial disposal. - Including text of letter from Michael Huebner of the Court Service and figures.

Answer: Mr. Malins: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proportion of all Crown Court cases in 1996 resulted in a non-custodial disposal. [7468] Mr. Hoon: The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to write to the hon. Member. Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Humfrey Malins, dated 10 July 1997: The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the proportion of cases in 1996 that resulted in a non-custodial disposal. The information requested is not available as each case can involve several defendants and the sentences imposed on them may vary. however, 39 per cent. of defendants who pleaded, or were found guilty, in the Crown Court in 1996 received a non-custodial sentence, a total of 29,160 defendants. In addition, 49 per cent. of the defendants who were referred to the Crown Court for sentencing only received a non-custodial sentence, a total of 6,917 defendants.

Secondary information