Menu
26/02/2014
New Guidelines Produced For Environmental Crimes
New guidelines for the sentencing of environmental offences have been published by the Sentencing Council.
Covering offences like fly-tipping and waste crimes, the guidelines encourage magistrates to use "the highest levels" of fines for serious offenders.
The council explained that the guidelines have been produced "due to a lack of familiarity, particularly among magistrates, with sentencing these offences".
Following a review of current sentencing practice, the Council also found that the levels of some fines were too low and did not reflect the seriousness of the offence committed.
Sentencing Council member and magistrate Katharine Rainsford said:
"Illegal disposal of hazardous waste not only causes damage to the environment but puts people's health at risk as well.
"This guidance for courts will help ensure consistent and appropriate sentences for offenders.
"These crimes are normally about making or saving money at the expense of the taxpayer. They also undermine law-abiding businesses in the waste management industry who are contributing to economic growth. This guideline aims to ensure that sentences hit offenders in their pocket."
The guidelines can be read in full on the Sentencing Council's website.
(MH/JP)
Covering offences like fly-tipping and waste crimes, the guidelines encourage magistrates to use "the highest levels" of fines for serious offenders.
The council explained that the guidelines have been produced "due to a lack of familiarity, particularly among magistrates, with sentencing these offences".
Following a review of current sentencing practice, the Council also found that the levels of some fines were too low and did not reflect the seriousness of the offence committed.
Sentencing Council member and magistrate Katharine Rainsford said:
"Illegal disposal of hazardous waste not only causes damage to the environment but puts people's health at risk as well.
"This guidance for courts will help ensure consistent and appropriate sentences for offenders.
"These crimes are normally about making or saving money at the expense of the taxpayer. They also undermine law-abiding businesses in the waste management industry who are contributing to economic growth. This guideline aims to ensure that sentences hit offenders in their pocket."
The guidelines can be read in full on the Sentencing Council's website.
(MH/JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 May 2003
Victims to get say in sentencing
Victims of crime and the police will have a say in setting what the Home Secretary describes as "more consistent sentences" for criminals under plans published today.
Victims to get say in sentencing
Victims of crime and the police will have a say in setting what the Home Secretary describes as "more consistent sentences" for criminals under plans published today.
05 March 2004
Government hails newly created sentencing council
The government has hailed the creation of the new Sentencing Guidelines Council as a step towards "clearer and more consistent sentences" for criminals. The Council, which will hold its first meeting today, will create and revise a comprehensive set of sentencing guidelines for all offences.
Government hails newly created sentencing council
The government has hailed the creation of the new Sentencing Guidelines Council as a step towards "clearer and more consistent sentences" for criminals. The Council, which will hold its first meeting today, will create and revise a comprehensive set of sentencing guidelines for all offences.
14 March 2013
Sentencing Council Proposes Tougher Fines For Fly-Tipping
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales has called for larger fines to be issued to people responsible for repeatedly dumping waste. Magistrates should impose greater fines more frequently against the most serious offenders, the council, which gives guidance to the courts, says.
Sentencing Council Proposes Tougher Fines For Fly-Tipping
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales has called for larger fines to be issued to people responsible for repeatedly dumping waste. Magistrates should impose greater fines more frequently against the most serious offenders, the council, which gives guidance to the courts, says.
06 December 2012
Board Recommends Tougher Sex Crime Sentencing
Rape and other sex offences could carry tougher sentencing in England and Wales in an effort to recognise the long-term psychological harm they cause.
Board Recommends Tougher Sex Crime Sentencing
Rape and other sex offences could carry tougher sentencing in England and Wales in an effort to recognise the long-term psychological harm they cause.
15 May 2012
New Guidelines Increase Punishment For Dangerous Dog Offence's
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales have issued new guidelines which say that people who fail to stop their dog harming others should face at least six months in jail. The guidelines are the first issued to judges and magistrates for convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
New Guidelines Increase Punishment For Dangerous Dog Offence's
The Sentencing Council for England and Wales have issued new guidelines which say that people who fail to stop their dog harming others should face at least six months in jail. The guidelines are the first issued to judges and magistrates for convictions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Quite cloudy across all counties at first but a few late sunny spells most likely towards Down and Antrim. Clearer skes becoming more widespread later this evening and overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
