Thugs who attack 999 staff face longer in jail
THUGS who assault police or other emergency service workers should face longer in jail, Priti Patel says today.
Writing exclusively for the Daily Mail, the Home Secretary reveals details of plans to double the maximum sentence for criminals convicted of attacking 999 staff.
She will today launch a review that recommends increasing the maximum jail term to two years, fulfilling a commitment in last year’s Conservative election manifesto.
Miss Patel highlights recent shocking cases of disorder in which anarchists hijacked a Black Lives Matter protest in Westminster last month and farRight thugs went on the rampage. ‘A minority of despicable individuals still seem to think they can treat emergency services workers as punchbags,’ the Home Secretary writes.
‘Now more than ever, those on the front line must be able to do their jobs without fear of harassment or physical attack. This Government is committed to doing just that.
‘We’ve seen thugs subverting the cause of peaceful protests to attack police officers – even throwing missiles at police horses. I am completely unapologetic in my belief that any individual who assaults or attacks the unsung heroes of society belongs behind bars.
‘It’s essential that in these horrific cases, a just punishment is handed down. Only then can our brave police officers, firefighters, paramedics and prison officers know that, as they go about their jobs, this Government has their back.’
On June 10, there was horror at a video of Constable Andrew MacPherson struggling with a suspect on the ground in Hackney, east London.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, whose department will oversee the changes, said: ‘Being punched, kicked or spat at should never be part of the job for our valiant emergency workers who put their lives on the line to keep the public safe.’
Assault can include acts such as a push, shove or being spat at, as well as more serious injuries that can lead to far longer sentences. It will be the second time in less than two years that the maximum sentence for the offence has been increased.
In November 2018 the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act doubled the maximum penalty for common assault from six to 12 months.
The legislation covers police, prison staff, custody officers, firefighters, search and rescue workers and front-line health workers.
The Conservatives’ election manifesto last year pledged the further doubling to two years, and the consultation launched today seeks to set that in train.
Last year more than 11,000 suspects were taken to court for assaulting an emergency worker. However only a quarter of those found guilty received a suspended jail sentence or immediate custody.