Rudd backs Labour MP’s call for tougher 999 attack sentences
AMBER Rudd has pledged to ensure prosecutors deliver tougher sentences for people who commit attacks on emergency workers.
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and Home Office are supporting Labour former minister Chris Bryant’s new law, which seeks to double the maximum sentence for common assault from six months to a year if committed against an emergency worker while they are on duty.
But Conservative former policing minister Sir Mike Penning advised Home Secretary Ms Rudd that the MOJ and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must “play their part” to guarantee that tougher sentences are delivered when the law is changed.
Ms Rudd said she agreed, adding in the Commons: “I will indeed take that to the CPS and make sure we deliver that.”
Rhondda MP Mr Bryant, who has described assaults on police and paramedics as “a national disgrace”, will bring forward his Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Bill for further debate in the Commons on Friday.
It will cover attacks on police, prison officers, custody officers, fire service personnel, search and rescue services and certain healthcare workers including ambulance staff.
Under the bill, judges will also consider the fact a victim is an emergency worker as an aggravating factor in offences including common assault, actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.
The Government also said the legislation will create the power to take blood samples, with consent, from people who have spat at or bitten emergency workers and exposed them to risk of infection.
It also creates a new offence of failing to provide this blood sample without good cause.