Rural Crime Prosecution Rates 2025-02-06
2025-02-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Fly-tipping is the most commonly reported rural crime, with over 13,000 significant multi-load incidents costing more than £4 million to clear up in 2022-23. Only 22 custodial sentences were handed out.
As I am sure the Solicitor General knows, fly-tipping is the most commonly reported rural crime. In 2022-23, there were well over 13,000 significant multi-load incidents; those incidents cost more than £4 million to clear up, yet just 22 custodial sentences were handed out in that time. What assurances can she give me and my constituents that the most egregious examples of fly-tipping, like those we saw in Lichfield two weeks ago, will result in jail time for the perpetrators?
Fly-tipping blights communities, and I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising the issue. I know that he has also raised it with the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, but I am happy to arrange a meeting with his local chief Crown prosecutor to discuss the matter further.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for assurances on custodial sentences was not directly addressed. Instead, an offer of arranging a meeting was given.
Will Arrange A Meeting
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The tragic case of Ryan Saltern, where the driver received a four-month suspended sentence for failing to stop and render aid after leaving the victim for dead.
The tragic hit-and-run case of Ryan Saltern in my rural North Cornwall constituency highlights a concerning problem in our legal system. The driver failed to stop, render aid at the scene, or even call 999, leaving Ryan for dead. The case was heard in a magistrates court where the driver received a four-month suspended sentence. Will the Solicitor General please look into the issue in conjunction with the CPS and the Department for Transport, and meet me to discuss her findings?
This is a profoundly tragic case, and I am grateful to the hon. Member for raising it. My heartfelt condolences go to Ryan’s family. I know that they and others have been campaigning for changes to the law in this area, and supporting families who have been through similarly tragic circumstances. I will discuss the case that the hon. Member raises with my colleagues in the Ministry of Justice and ensure that he receives a full response.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific request for an investigation was not directly addressed, but a promise to discuss the case and provide a response is given.
Will Discuss With Colleagues
Full Response
Response accuracy