27/10/2011

Automatic Life Sentence For 'Serious' Re-offenders

The justice minister has revealed plans to introduce mandatory life sentences for those who commit serious crimes more than once.

The "two strikes" rule will see anyone convicted of a second serious sexual or violent crime in England and Wales being handed an automatic life sentence.

Setting out his plan on BBC Radio Four's Today programme, Justice Secretary Ken Clarke said the plan was for "ultra serious criminals", adding: "It is a big step and I don't take it lightly".

Mandatory life term's are currently only imposed on those convicted of murder. However, Mr Clarke said he wanted to bring in "more certain sentences" because indeterminate sentences had "failed".

"We've got 6,000 people languishing in prison, 3,000 of whom have gone beyond the tariff set by the judge, and we haven't the faintest idea when, if ever, they are going to get out," he told the Today programme.

The plans also include tougher sentences for knife crimes committed by teenagers. Mr Clarke announced mandatory custodial sentences for 16 and 17-year-olds who threatened others with knives. Convicted teenagers would face four-month detention and training orders under the plans.

(DW/GK)

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