Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP seeks information on how the government evaluates the effectiveness of sentences deemed too lenient.
What recent comparative assessment has been made of the annual performance of the unduly lenient sentence scheme?
In 2020, my office received and reviewed 552 referrals under the unduly lenient sentence scheme. Ninety-seven were referred to the Court of Appeal, with 61 sentences being increased.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide a recent comparative assessment as requested but instead gave statistics from 2020 without further context or comparison.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Mr Green, the former head of corporate communications at Cleveland police, pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and received a community order without jail time. The MP believes this is an unduly lenient sentence.
Given that Mr Green, the former head of corporate communications for Cleveland police, was given no jail time after pleading guilty to making indecent images of children, will the Attorney General review his sentence under the unduly lenient sentence scheme?
I thank my hon. Friend for his tireless work on behalf of those affected by such cases. This case was brought to my attention by Steve Turner, the Cleveland police and crime commissioner. I can only review sentences that fall within the unduly lenient sentence scheme, but as this case was heard at magistrates court it is ineligible.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address whether Mr Green's sentence would be reviewed or how justice could be served, instead highlighting procedural constraints.
Response accuracy