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16/06/2009
Minimum Knife Murder Sentencing to Be Reviewed
Minimum sentences for knife murders are to be reviewed, it has been announced.
Speaking to the House of Commons today, Justice Secretary Jack Straw said he would examine the provisions relating to minimum term "starting points" for people convicted of knife murders in England and Wales.
Currently the knife murder tariff is 15 years, while for gun murders it is 30 years.
Mr Straw told MPs: "There has been concern about the starting point for the minimum term for murder involving the use of a firearm.
"It is 30 years, compared with the 15 years for murder with the use of a knife.
"I intend to review this with a vie to deciding whether or not to amend this."
He added: "I will, of course, be consulting the judiciary and Sentencing Guidelines Council and will be happy to receive wider representations, including from honourable members on all sides of the house."
The move comes amid controversy over the sentencing of three men who were jailed over the murder of 16-year-old schoolboy Ben Kinsella.
Juress Kika, 19, Michael Alleyne, 18, and Jade Braithwaite, 20, were each jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years last week, after they were found guilty of the teenager's murder in the Old Bailey.
Both Ben's parents, George and Deborah Kinsella, criticised the knife murder guidelines.
"To us both are lethal weapons so I don't see the difference," Mrs Kinsella said.
"We have got to stop being so complacent, in a nutshell the sentencing isn't long enough, they don’t see it as any deterrent."
(JM/BMcc)
Speaking to the House of Commons today, Justice Secretary Jack Straw said he would examine the provisions relating to minimum term "starting points" for people convicted of knife murders in England and Wales.
Currently the knife murder tariff is 15 years, while for gun murders it is 30 years.
Mr Straw told MPs: "There has been concern about the starting point for the minimum term for murder involving the use of a firearm.
"It is 30 years, compared with the 15 years for murder with the use of a knife.
"I intend to review this with a vie to deciding whether or not to amend this."
He added: "I will, of course, be consulting the judiciary and Sentencing Guidelines Council and will be happy to receive wider representations, including from honourable members on all sides of the house."
The move comes amid controversy over the sentencing of three men who were jailed over the murder of 16-year-old schoolboy Ben Kinsella.
Juress Kika, 19, Michael Alleyne, 18, and Jade Braithwaite, 20, were each jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years last week, after they were found guilty of the teenager's murder in the Old Bailey.
Both Ben's parents, George and Deborah Kinsella, criticised the knife murder guidelines.
"To us both are lethal weapons so I don't see the difference," Mrs Kinsella said.
"We have got to stop being so complacent, in a nutshell the sentencing isn't long enough, they don’t see it as any deterrent."
(JM/BMcc)
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A man has been jailed for life for the murder of a grandmother in a bus station toilet 12 years ago. Ian O'Callaghan, 38, was found guilty of the murder of 66-year-old Shirley Leach at Bury Interchange in January 1994. Mrs Leach, a widow, was attacked in a toilet cubicle at the station. She was sexually assaulted and then strangled.
Man jailed for grandmother's murder
A man has been jailed for life for the murder of a grandmother in a bus station toilet 12 years ago. Ian O'Callaghan, 38, was found guilty of the murder of 66-year-old Shirley Leach at Bury Interchange in January 1994. Mrs Leach, a widow, was attacked in a toilet cubicle at the station. She was sexually assaulted and then strangled.
20 January 2011
Flying Squad Release CCTV Footage In Hunt
The Flying Squad has released CCTV footage of a shopkeeper grappling with a violent armed robber as officers hunt men suspected of two crimes which took place just minutes apart. The images capture the moment the brave 46-year-old and his son, 25, tried to fend off the robbers despite them being armed with a handgun and a large knife.
Flying Squad Release CCTV Footage In Hunt
The Flying Squad has released CCTV footage of a shopkeeper grappling with a violent armed robber as officers hunt men suspected of two crimes which took place just minutes apart. The images capture the moment the brave 46-year-old and his son, 25, tried to fend off the robbers despite them being armed with a handgun and a large knife.
10 November 2009
Portable Detectors Combat Knife Crime
Hand-held metal detectors are to be given out in the fight against Scotland's 'booze and blade' culture. The Scottish Government has allocated £30,000 to supply free hand-held metal detectors for all first-time recipients of Best Bar None Awards.
Portable Detectors Combat Knife Crime
Hand-held metal detectors are to be given out in the fight against Scotland's 'booze and blade' culture. The Scottish Government has allocated £30,000 to supply free hand-held metal detectors for all first-time recipients of Best Bar None Awards.
22 July 2009
Knife Crime Cut, But Deaths Up In Anti-Knife Drive
Latest figures released today have found that knife-related violence against under-20s has been cut by 17%, but the number of deaths among teenagers remains unchanged. The Home Office-led report, called 'Tackling Knives Action Programme' (TKAP), started last July in 10 police areas across England and Wales.
Knife Crime Cut, But Deaths Up In Anti-Knife Drive
Latest figures released today have found that knife-related violence against under-20s has been cut by 17%, but the number of deaths among teenagers remains unchanged. The Home Office-led report, called 'Tackling Knives Action Programme' (TKAP), started last July in 10 police areas across England and Wales.
29 June 2009
Johnson Outlines More Help To Tackle Knife Crime
More than 150 organisations will receive £2.3 million to tackle knife crime and support victims, Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced today. A total of £2 million from the Community Fund and the Youth Sector Development Fund will help organisations who work with young people to prevent them becoming involved in gun, gang and knife crime.
Johnson Outlines More Help To Tackle Knife Crime
More than 150 organisations will receive £2.3 million to tackle knife crime and support victims, Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced today. A total of £2 million from the Community Fund and the Youth Sector Development Fund will help organisations who work with young people to prevent them becoming involved in gun, gang and knife crime.
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