Government accused by Labour of being ‘soft on crime’ as figures are revealed

LABOUR has accused the Government of being “soft on crime” as party analysis claimed that in some areas of the country – including Leicestershire – one in three repeat knife offenders had been spared jail in the past five years.

The party said this showed a “two strikes and you’re out” policy pledged in 2015 – where repeat offenders would face a minimum six-month prison sentence for carrying a knife – was “in tatters”.

Labour said national figures revealed that 44% of serial offenders avoided jail last year, with an increase in suspended sentences.

It said the number of criminals committing repeat offences rose from 12% to 18% between June 2011 and last year.

Sixteen areas saw more than a third of repeat knife crime offenders avoid jail.

Leicestershire’s rate of 37% was equal fifth highest, with Gloucestershire and Sussex top, on 41%.

The rate in London was 35%. Shadow justice secretary Steve Reed said: “This data proves bungling Dominic Raab and this law-breaking Conservative Government are simply soft on crime.

“Time and again, the Conservatives have broken their promises to tackle knife crime and, to top it all, their record-breaking crown court backlog will see even more knife criminals let off and more victims let down.

“Labour will put security at the heart of its contract with the British people; we’ll create new police hubs and neighbourhood prevention teams to make your area safe again.”

A Government spokesman said: “While judges decide sentences, those caught carrying a knife are more likely to be sent to jail than they were a decade ago .

“New laws will see more repeat offenders face time behind bars.”