What's happened
A record number of repeat knife offenders in England and Wales are being spared jail, with nearly four in 10 avoiding immediate imprisonment. This comes amidst a five percent surge in knife crime, with almost half of murders involving a knife or sharp instrument. The Police Federation is calling for a royal commission to address the lenient sentencing practices.
Why it matters
The increasing trend of repeat knife offenders being spared jail raises concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of deterrence. With a rise in knife crime and a significant proportion of murders involving knives, the leniency in sentencing is seen as a contributing factor. The demand for a royal commission reflects the urgency to address these issues and enhance the criminal justice system's response to knife-related offenses.
What the papers say
The Independent highlights the escalating demands for a royal commission by the Police Federation, emphasizing the criticism towards judges and magistrates for lenient sentencing practices. In contrast, The Telegraph focuses on the backlash from Tory MPs regarding a manifesto pledge to ban no-fault evictions, diverting attention from the issue of knife crime. The Metro reports on a suspected mass poisoning incident at HMP Lewes, illustrating challenges within the prison system.
How we got here
Since the introduction of a crackdown in 2015 requiring repeat knife offenders to be jailed for a minimum of six months, the proportion of criminals spared prison has reached a record high. The surge in knife crime, with a five percent increase in offenses and almost half of murders involving knives, has heightened concerns about public safety. The Police Federation's call for a royal commission reflects growing dissatisfaction with sentencing practices and the need for stricter measures to address knife-related crimes.
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