Tougher jail terms on way for terrorists
CONVICTED terrorists will face tougher prison terms in a sentencing shake-up.
Ministers are extending a system that allows the public to challenge soft jail terms.
The Unduly Lenient Sentences (ULS) scheme is reserved for certain types of cases including murder, rape, robbery and the most serious terror offences. But from January 29 nine other terror-related crimes are being added to the scheme.
It means those found guilty of crimes such as tipping off terrorists about an investigation, or flouting Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures, could have their sentences increased if victims think the punishment is too light.
Justice minister Dominic Raab said: ‘These changes will strengthen our ability to punish and deter those who tip off individuals involved in terrorism and reinforce the conditions imposed by the authorities on individuals subject to monitoring, supervision or control.’
If a member of the public complains about a lenient sentence, government law officers may ask the Court of Appeal to determine whether it should stand or be increased. A record 141 criminals had their sentences increased last year. In July, 19 terror offences were added to the scheme, including encouraging terrorism in speeches or on the internet.
The additions announced today include cases in which a person learns of terrorist activity through their work and fails to report it to police – for example, an accountant discovering a client may be funding terror.
It came after the family of off-duty police officer Elaine McIver, 43, who was killed in the Manchester bomb attack in May, called for tougher laws to cover terror suspects.
Attorney General Jeremy Wright said: ‘The ULS scheme added over 400 years of imprisonment to criminal sentences last year. While in the vast majority of cases sentencing judges get it right, the ULS scheme gives anyone the ability to challenge sentences within the scheme they think are too low and I’m pleased that more offences will now be included.’
Police have beefed up security for New Year’s Eve in London after Islamic State released a video calling for an attack during the capital’s fireworks celebration. Scotland Yard said there is ‘no specific threat’, but security plans have been tightened to include more armed police, covert officers and vehicle barriers.