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Child Murders: Sentencing
11 October 2022
Lead MP
Kieran Mullan
Bexhill and Battle
Con
Responding Minister
Rachel Maclean
Tags
Justice & CourtsBusiness & Trade
Word Count: 4699
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
Kieran Mullan raised concerns about child murders: sentencing in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP calls for a revision of sentencing guidelines to remove the requirement of significant premeditation for child murderers to receive a whole-life tariff. He asks the government to explain why this restriction was included and suggests that it undermines public confidence in justice delivery.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP is concerned about the current sentencing guidelines for child murderers, which do not reflect public sentiment that such offenders should spend life in prison. He cites specific cases like Elsie Urry's children who were murdered by David McGreavy and Arthur Labinjo-Hughes' murder by Emma Tustin as examples where justice seems inadequate. The MP is worried that the recent Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 restricts whole-life tariffs to cases of significant premeditation, which significantly limits their applicability.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate and emphasises that every child murderer should receive life imprisonment, regardless of whether the murder involved abduction or sexual motives. The hon. Member inquired about cases where a child is repeatedly beaten and dies from the cumulative abuse, questioning whether this should be considered murder despite initial lack of intent.
Government Response
Rachel Maclean
Government Response
Responded comprehensively to concerns regarding sentencing in cases of child murder, emphasizing that all murder convictions lead to life sentences with minimum terms based on schedule 21 of the Sentencing Act 2020. Expanded on how the Policing and Crime (Sentencing and Courts) Act 2022 strengthens penalties for serious offences against children, including raising maximum penalties for cruelty towards under-16s from 10 to 14 years and allowing life imprisonment for causing a child's death. Stressed judicial independence while affirming that the Parole Board reforms aim to increase ministerial scrutiny on release decisions for top-tier offenders, such as those convicted of child murder or causing their deaths.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.