British/UK Affairs

» Daniel Workman - How severe are criminal sentences in Britain?

Hey Dan,

In Canada, the system is much too sympathetic to the criminal. It's not uncommon for a knife or gun murderer to get out after 4-5 years with good behavior.

In Britain, how tough is the judicial system on violent offenders?

Cheers!

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» dantilles - How severe are criminal sentences in Britain?

Many people in Britain have been saying the same thing as you and there are efforts underway to give lengthier sentences for violent crime.

Last month in Scotland a 19-year-old was given six years for a knife attack which would have killed his victim had he not received quick medical treatment. Obviously though this could presumably be reduced for good behaviour.

I agree that this kind of sentence is not adequate for what basically amounts to murder. The lengths of sentences though obviously will depend on the various circumstances involved in each case.

The Conservative Party are backing proposals to increase the maximum penalty for carrying a knife to five years and are trying to add this to the Violent Crime Reduction Bill which is going through the House of Lords.

-- posted by dantilles

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» dantilles - How severe are criminal sentences in Britain?

Just to add an update to the article: 17,700 knives were handed in during the first week of the amnesty (also, bizarrely, a rocket launcher was given in!). The amnesty will be running until the end of June

-- posted by dantilles

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