Two-Tier Sentencing Guidelines Were in Force This Morning – Guido Fawkes

“Dear Magistrate (Crime)

The Sentencing Council has delayed the implementation of the revised guideline, Imposition of community and custodial sentences.

The Sentencing Council remains of the view that the Imposition guideline as drafted is necessary and appropriate. The Lord Chancellor and the Chairman of the Council met yesterday morning. At that meeting, the Lord Chancellor indicated her intention to introduce legislation imminently that would have the effect of rendering the section on ‘cohorts’ in the guideline unlawful. The Lord Chancellor also shared details of that draft legislation as it is likely to be introduced. The Chairman indicated that the Council would not introduce a guideline when there is a draft Bill due for imminent introduction that would make it unlawful, On that basis, the Council, an independent statutory body, has chosen to delay the in force date of the guideline pending such legislation taking effect.

Magistrates should therefore continue to apply the current Imposition of community and custodial sentences guideline until communicated otherwise.

The Council’s definitive guidelines for aggravated vehicle taking offences and other motoring related matters and the driving disqualification overarching guideline come into effect as planned on 1 April.

Regards,

Office of the Sentencing Council”