John Baron MP supports tougher sentences for knife crime

MP supports mandatory jail terms on offenders convicted of a second knife offence

John Baron MP supported an amendment to the Criminal Justice and Courts bill yesterday which seeks to impose a minimum six-month jail term on offenders on their second conviction for carrying a knife. 16-18 year olds would be given a minimum four month detaining and training order. The amendment, proposed by Nick de Bois, passed by 404 votes to 53 after support among Conservative and Labour MPs.

In 2013, action was taken on over 16,000 offenders who were caught in possession of a knife. However, 75% were let off with softer options, including 3,200 offenders being given a caution or a fine, and 4,500 receiving a community sentence.

John said:

“We must get tougher with criminals. This needs to include minimum sentences which reflect the seriousness of the crime. The judges can still have discretion above the minimum.”

Ends

Word Count: 151

Notes to Editors

• The amendment in question was Clause 6 and 7 of the Criminal Justice and Courts bill. A copy of Hansard can be found here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmhansrd/cm140617/debtext/140617-0002.htm