In a recent letter, Conservative Member of Parliament Suella Braverman has emphasized the need for stricter sentencing measures to protect the public from prolific offenders. While acknowledging the Conservatives' achievements in reducing crime over the past 13 years, Braverman raises concerns about the Sentencing Bill, which she believes may compromise public safety and burden law enforcement agencies.
Braverman highlights the acute pressure on prison capacities, attributing it to longer sentences served by criminals and increased police investigations. The Sentencing Bill, designed to alleviate prison overcrowding, comes under scrutiny from Braverman, who argues that it may inadvertently lead to a rise in criminal activities.
A particular point of contention for Braverman is Clause 6 of the bill, which effectively eliminates short sentences of under 12 months. The MP asserts that short sentences serve as a crucial deterrent against criminal behavior and that the proposed changes might hinder the justice system's ability to address repeat offenders effectively.
In her letter, Braverman emphasizes that a significant proportion of crimes are committed by a small group of prolific offenders, constituting a disproportionate impact on communities. Citing a recent Policy Exchange report, she notes that these offenders, despite their outsized contribution to crime, often escape imprisonment.
To address these concerns, Braverman proposes amendments to the Sentencing Bill. One notable amendment suggests a "five strikes and you're out" policy, mandating custody as the starting point for repeat offenders. Additionally, she advocates for a mandatory two-year custodial sentence for individuals with a history of 45 crimes upon each subsequent serious offense conviction.
Braverman argues that short sentences, when warranted, are vital for public safety and deterring criminals from further illegal activities. The proposed amendments aim to strike a balance between addressing prison capacities and ensuring that repeat offenders face appropriate consequences for their actions.
As the debate over the Sentencing Bill continues, Braverman's proposed amendments seek to strengthen penalties for prolific offenders, prioritizing the safety of the public and justice for victims of crime.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event