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Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 2 November 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 November 2016 (named day). It was answered by Sam Gyimah (Conservative) on Monday, 7 November 2016 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Emergency Services: Crimes of Violence

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps are being taken to ensure appropriate sentencing for people convicted of attacks and assaults on police and all front line emergency officers.

Answer

Offenders who assault police and other front line emergency officers rightly face more severe sentences because the victim is providing a service to the public. In all such crimes the fact that the victim is providing a service to the public is treated as an aggravating factor meaning that sentences for assaulting front line emergency officers will be more severe.

In addition, there are specific offences relating to attacking police officers and prison officers acting as constables. The offence of assault on a police constable - where little or no injury is caused – is the equivalent of common assault and has a maximum penalty of 6 months’ imprisonment. Sentencing guidelines, which are issued by the independent Sentencing Council, recognise that assault on a constable is more serious than common assault because the victim was assaulted in the line of duty. There is also an offence of assault on a police officer when attempting to resist arrest which has a maximum penalty of 2 years. Where the injuries to the victim are more serious, more severe offences will be charged such as ABH and GBH, which have higher maximum penalties.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
51573
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Crimes of violence Assaults on police Emergency services Sentencing
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk