UK Riots: Sentencing Explained

As the courts deal with offenders following the recent riots across the UK, the Ministry of Justice explains how our sentencing system works.

Magistrates and judges are independent of Government. Their sentencing decisions are based on the individual circumstances of each case and offender. That is why different offenders may be given different sentences for what might appear to be similar crimes.

To provide a consistent base for these decisions an independent body of experts, the Sentencing Council set guidelines for them to use. These provide a range of sentences that could be given for particular types of crime, including cases of theft, burglary or robbery .

Click the link below to read the full article on the Ministry of Justice website.