Stalking victims to have say on jail terms

Tougher jail terms planned for a wider range of sex crimes, including online abuses and harassment

Victims of stalkers would be given the power to appeal against lenient sentences for their attackers under government plans announced today. It means those subject to stalking, harassment and other serious sexual crimes will be allowed to ask for cases to be reviewed if they feel justice has not been served. In addition, people convicted of sex offences relating to the internet could also face longer jail terms as ministers review the criminal justice system and how it might work for victims.

VICTIMS of stalkers could be given the power to appeal against lenient sentences given to their attackers under Government plans announced today.

It means those subject to stalking, harassment and other serious sexual crimes will be allowed to ask for cases to be reviewed if they feel justice has not been served.

And people convicted of sex offences relating to the internet also face longer jail terms, as ministers embark on a review of how the criminal justice system works for victims.

Only the most severe crimes, including murder, rape and terrorism, form part of the present system but experts are considering whether other crimes should be included in the Unduly Lenient Sentence guidelines.

Ministers will discuss which ones should be included under plans to ensure legislation is up to date and can deal with new trends, including the use of phones and the internet.

Under the plans, victims will also be encouraged to make personal statements at parole hearings.

The proposals come in the wake of the John Worboys case, where the convicted rapist was set for release without all of his victims being informed.

It led to claims that the parole board did not consider the needs of victims and their families and was not fit for purpose.

Just 15 per cent of victims make a statement detailing how they have been affected by crime, even though all are entitled to do so. The review will make it easier for victims of crime to have their say.

Ministers are also looking at ways to help those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire to navigate the courts, as well as ensuring the victims of child sexual abuse and terrorism are compensated for the suffering they endure.

A bar on financial awards to victims if they lived in the same home as their attacker before 1979 will be abolished and grooming offences could be included in the compensation scheme for the first time.

In 2017/18, the scheme paid out more than £150million.

Theresa May, the Prime Minister, said: “Nothing can take away the distress and trauma of being a victim of crime, but ensuring people get the support they need as they rebuild their lives is vital. How we support victims is fundamental to a caring society and in recognition of that we are taking steps to enshrine their rights in law.”

One in five adults experienced a crime last year, according to a survey in England and Wales.

Serious violence and knife crime have increased; while drug offences and gang violence have also risen.