Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Offences Against the Person Act 1861: Section 24

Thursday 18 November 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Crown Prosecution Service brought 222 charges under section 24 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 in 2020-21, a 22% increase from the previous year.
  • Home Secretary has asked the National Police Chiefs' Council to urgently review spiking cases.
  • Government supports initiatives to improve women's safety, including a 5 million safety fund and a 25 million safer streets fund.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

Reports indicate a rise in spiking cases, leading to concerns about prosecution rates under section 24.

Question

What steps she is taking to help improve prosecution levels relating to section 24 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861. The recent increase in reports of spiking highlights the need for action to ensure victims find recourse through the criminal justice system and perpetrators face full legal consequences.

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Crown Prosecution Service treats maliciously administering poison as a high-harm offence. In 2020-21, the CPS brought 222 charges under section 24, up by 22% from the previous year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address steps being taken to improve prosecution levels but provided statistics on current levels.

How: Provides Statistics Without Addressing Specific Ask

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Q2 Chris Elmore Lab Bridgend
Justice & Courts
Context

There is a concern that the current legislative framework does not adequately address the issue of spiking.

Question

The Attorney General agrees it is concerning to see huge numbers of spiked individuals unable to find recourse through the criminal justice system. Does he further agree that simply waiting for police feedback is insufficient, and calls for a Government review of legislation to ensure victims can seek redress?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Home Secretary has asked the National Police Chiefs' Council to urgently review spiking cases. CPS Wales saw a 46% increase in prosecutions for section 24 offences, while other legal avenues like sections 23 and 61 can also address such crimes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not directly support reviewing legislation but provided alternative frameworks that could be used.

How: Offered Alternative Legal Pathways Without Addressing Specific Ask

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Q3 Philip Hollobone Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

There is a concern that sentences for spiking may not reflect the seriousness of the crime.

Question

Women and girls feel vulnerable to being spiked in pubs and nightclubs. The maximum penalty under section 24 is 10 years, but how many convicted have received this sentence?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Section 23 and section 61 can be used under certain circumstances, each carrying a maximum of 10 years. In 2020-21, there were 10 charges for both offences.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address the number of sentences handed out but provided alternative legal bases and statistics on prosecutions.

How: Provided Other Legal Avenues Without Addressing Specific Ask

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Q4 Ellie Reeves Lab Lewisham West and East Dulwich
Crime & Law Enforcement Women & Equalities
Context

Recent reports suggest an increase in women being spiked, leading to a call for Government action.

Question

Chilling reports indicate an epidemic of violence against women, with 1,223 spiking cases reported but only 88 convictions. Will the Attorney General confirm support for Labour's amendment calling for a wide-ranging review into spiking prevalence and criminal justice system response?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The Home Secretary has asked for an urgent review of spiking cases. The Government supports initiatives to improve women's safety, including the £5 million safety fund and the £25 million safer streets fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not confirm support for Labour's amendment but mentioned other initiatives.

How: Mentioned Other Initiatives Without Addressing Specific Ask

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