March 12, 2009: More Imprisoned For 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%), stated Justice Secretary Jack Straw.
Statistics just published by the Ministry of Justice show that:
- More offenders are being sent to jail: the number of offences resulting in immediate custody rose from 1,125 in the last quarter of 2007 to 1,386 in the same period of 2008. On average there was a 40% increase in the number of prisoners serving a sentence for possession of an offensive weapon between the same periods.
- Fewer cautions being issued: the number fell 31% over the same period (1,706 in the last quarter of 2008 compared to 2,455 in the same period of 2007).
- More use of tougher community sentences: the number of offences resulting in community sentences rose 16% (from 1,861 in the last quarter of 2007 to 2,151 in the same period of 2007)
- Longer sentences: the average immediate custodial sentence has risen by 38% (from 133 days in the last quarter of 2007 to 184 days in the same period of 2008
The proportion of all possession offences resulting in immediate custody rose to 21% in the last quarter of 2008 from 17% in the same period of 2007. The proportion of offences resulting in a caution decreased from 36% in the last quarter of 2007 to 25% in the last quarter of 2008.
The statistics also show a decline in the total number of offences involving possession of a knife or other offensive weapon (6,704 offences were dealt with between October and December last year, compared to 6,808 in the same period of 2007).
Justice Secretary Jack Straw commented:
'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. Another £5 million has just been dedicated to stepping up the Tackling Knives Action Programme to allow it to continue its work with parents, schools and communities across Britain.'
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
'The Government has taken targeted action to tackle knife crime and these latest figures showing more people are going to jail for carrying knives are very encouraging.'
'In the past ten months, across the Tackling Knives Action Programme areas, police have conducted more than 150,000 stop and searches and seized 3,000 knives since June. Nationally, we have provided 1,150 extra search arches and wands to help forces to take knives off the streets and reassure the public.'
'By continuing this targeted programme of action and extending the remit to include 13 to 24 year olds I have made it clear that I am committed to tackling the core minority of young people who persist in committing serious violence and working hard to make people feel safe in their communities.'
A fuller breakdown of the Knife Crime Sentencing Quarterly Brief October to December 2008 England and Wales, published by the Ministry of Justice for the first time today, is below.
There were 5,227 offences by adults in the last quarter of 2008 compared to 5,238 in the same period of 2007. Of these there was a 22% increase in the number which resulted in an immediate custodial sentence (1,265 compared to 1,038 in the same period in 2007).
The number of offences resulting in community sentences also increased – by 13%, from 1,202 in the fourth quarter of 2007, to 1,356 in the same period in 2008.
There were 1,472 offences by youths in the last quarter of 2008 compared to 1,570 in the same period of 2007. The number of offences resulting in community sentences went up by 21% from 659 in the fourth quarter of 2007 to 795 in the same period of 2008. The number of offences committed by youngsters which resulted in immediate custody went up by 39% (87 in the last quarter of 2007 compared to 121 in same period of 2008).
The figures relate to disposals (from cautions to custodial sentences) in England and Wales during the period October – December 2008. All statistics quoted in the quarterly brief are provisional and subject to change in future quarters.
The total number of offences (committed by adults and minors) involving the possession of a knife or offensive weapon resulting in a caution or sentence during October – December 2008 was 6,704 compared to 6,808 in the same quarter of 2007.
The number of offences involving the possession of a knife or offensive weapon resulting in a caution or sentence committed by those aged 10 to 17 years during October – December 2008 was 1,472 compared to 1,570 in the same quarter of 2007.