Teen killers’ jail terms to be doubled under ‘Ellie’s Law’
TEENAGE murderers could face twice as long in prison after sentencing reforms to treat them more like adults.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland will this week announce “Ellie’s Law”, resulting in older teenage murderers being jailed for at least 27 years instead of a current 12-year minimum.
Mr Buckland said: “This is about the way we approach what is the most serious crime.”
The parents of Ellie Gould – who was stabbed to death by 17-year-old Thomas Griffiths in her kitchen – have campaigned for the change after the young murderer got just 12 years.
Mr Buckland will introduce a “sliding scale” so the difference between sentences for adult and child criminals reduces as the youngster gets older.
He will also abolish the right of 17-year-olds jailed after they turn 18 to have sentences reviewed halfway through their prison terms.
This move will apply to Griffiths of Caine, Wiltshire, who stabbed Ellie, then also 17.
He knifed her at least 13 times and calmly returned to school after she ended their relationship to focus on her A levels.
Mr Buckland wants a “more subtle gradation”, meaning 17-year-olds are not treated that differently from an 18-year-old. He added: “If someone is sentenced after the age of 18, they should not have a review because you are in your mid-20s or more but you have the same rights as if still a child. “I struggle with that.”
The sliding scale means children of 10 to 14 facing a minimum of 50 per cent of an adult equivalent.Those of 15 and 16 will get 66 per cent and 17-year-olds’ terms will start at 90 per cent. For adults convicted of the most grisly murders, including sexual and sadistic killings, the minimum is 30 years. So, under the new laws, 17-year-olds would face a minimum of 27 years and younger children would face 15 years.