Clamping down on knife crime

The number of immediate custodial sentences handed down for offences involving possession of a knife or other offensive weapon has gone up by almost a quarter (23%) the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw MP, has announced.

This could be regarded as a reflection that knife crimes are soaring, were it not for the fact that cautions issued for knife offences fell by a third in the same period. In other words, the legal system is finally clamping down in the way most of us want on this serious problem.

Jack Straw said:

"These figures underline our determination to tackle the scourge of knife crime. And they show that the tough approach is working. As the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, has recently spelt out, if you are caught carrying a knife the consequences are serious: with jail sentences for many more offenders.

"The figures show that tougher penalties are being implemented by the courts, in line with Court of Appeal guidance. Fewer cautions are being issued and we're seeing more community sentences, more suspended sentences and more prison sentences handed out. Those getting tough community sentences are having to work more hours and those going to prison are receiving longer sentences.

"It's crucial that everyone should feel safe when they walk around our towns and cities. That is why we have clamped down on thugs who carry knives and doubled the longest jail term available."