The new offences and sentences introduced
From today, a series of new offences and sentences come into effect under the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012.
They include:
- ‘Two strikes’ - Mandatory life sentence for people convicted of a second very serious sexual or violent offence
- New Extended Determinate Sentence - sentence for dangerous criminals convicted of serious sexual and violent crimes with no automatic release from prison halfway through their sentence.
- Knife possession - Anyone who uses a knife or offensive weapon to threaten and endanger others will face a mandatory custodial sentence.
- Dangerous driving - causing serious injury by dangerous driving will carry a maximum five year custodial sentence.
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