Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme

Thursday 18 November 2021 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The unduly lenient sentence scheme has continued to ensure proper reflection of the seriousness of offending in 2021.
  • More than 100 cases have been heard by the Court of Appeal in 2021 under the scheme.
  • The Solicitor General and the Minister will consider referrals regarding offences against minors with the greatest care.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Laura Trott Con Sevenoaks
Justice & Courts
Context

MP raised concerns about the unduly lenient sentence scheme's adequacy in addressing serious crimes, specifically rape cases involving minors. She cited a recent case where a perpetrator received a nine-year sentence for multiple counts of raping a 14-year-old and other sexual offenses.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effectiveness of the unduly lenient sentence scheme in 2021? Along with many in this House, I have become increasingly concerned about unduly lenient sentences for rape, especially in relation to crimes committed against minors. Last month, a man was jailed after being found guilty of six counts of rape of a 14-year-old, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and other sexual offences; he was sentenced to only nine years' imprisonment.

Answer from Suella Braverman

In 2021, the unduly lenient sentence scheme has continued to ensure that the seriousness of offending is properly reflected in the sentence imposed. More than 100 cases have been heard by the Court of Appeal this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific concern about sentences for crimes against minors was not directly addressed with concrete actions or commitments.

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Q2 Laura Trott Con Sevenoaks
Justice & Courts
Context

MP cited two specific cases where perpetrators received nine-year sentences for serious crimes involving minors, expressing concern that these sentences do not reflect the severity of the offences.

Question

Last month, a man was jailed after being found guilty of six counts of raping a 14-year-old, two counts of sexual activity with a child, and other sexual offences; he was sentenced to only nine years' imprisonment. That follows reports that last year a man was jailed after being found guilty of raping a three-year-old in a wood; his sentence, too, was nine years. Those prison sentences are simply not long enough. Will the Attorney General agree to look at those cases and meet me to discuss what more can be done to ensure that the sentences match the crimes committed?

Answer from Suella Braverman

My hon. Friend raises some very grave cases. I assure her that such offences are within the scope of the unduly lenient sentence scheme, and that the Solicitor General and I will consider every such referral to us with the greatest care. I am proud of our work in respect of offending against minors.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for a meeting and review of cases was not explicitly confirmed or committed to.

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