New sentencing role for top cop
CHESHIRE’S chief constable has been appointed to the national body responsible for setting guidelines on sentencing.
Simon Byrne has joined the Sentencing Council For England And Wales.
He is the only serving police officer on the council and the role will be in addition to his police post.
The appointment is for three years.
Mr Byrne’s appointment was agreed and approved by justice secretary Elizabeth Truss in consultation with Lord Thomas Of Cwmgiedd.
It follows on from his appointment in 2015 as the national policing lead on criminal justice.
He said: “I’m honoured to have been considered and appointed to this role.
“The sentencing council plays a critical role in ensuring that there is a consistent approach across the judiciary when sentencing offenders.
“It’s vital, too, that jus- tice is seen to be served.
“It’s an area that gets significant public scrutiny.
“I hope that the policing perspective I can bring to bear on the council’s discussions will make a valuable contribution to the sentencing debate.”
The organisation’s primary role is to promote a clear, fair and consistent approach to sentencing, p r ima r i l y through its work on sentencing guidelines.
Courts must follow guidelines on sentenci n g , although there can be judicial discretion when it is in the interests of justice.
As well as consulting on, and setting, sentencing guidelines, the council also monitors how the judiciary is implementing the guidelines.
Each year it publishes an annual report.
The council has 10 meetings a year, which Mr Byrne will attend.