Criminal ‘let offs’ hit record levels: Out-of-court resolutions jump by 11% as even more ‘slap on the wrist’ punishments are handed out by police, official figures show ‘Slap on the wrist’ punishments soared to record levels during the pandemic Offenders dealt with by out-of-court resolution rose by 11 per cent in September The figures were driven … Read more
Protesters who damage poppy wreaths and deface memorials will face prison under new sentencing guidelines after Extinction Rebellion activists hijacked Cenotaph on Remembrance Day Ministers looking at tougher punishments for those defacing war monuments Plans could include a three-month jail term if the damage is less than £5,000 But more serious incidents could carry a ten-year … Read more
Rapists and violent offenders will serve at least two-thirds of their prison terms under an overhaul of England and Wales’ justice system to ensure serious criminals ‘get the time they deserve’. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland is unveiling plans to give judges the power to hand 18 to 20-year-olds whole life sentences. Convicts sentenced to between … Read more
Qatar launches world’s toughest punishments with three years in jail and £45,000 fines for anyone not wearing a face mask as it battles one of globe’s highest coronavirus infection rates More than 30,000 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the tiny Gulf country Gatherings during Muslim fasting month of Ramadan may have increased cases Mosques, … Read more
Amnesty International has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is prompting tough regimes in Africa to dish out harsh punishments to people under lockdown. Deprose Muchena, the charity’s director for East and Southern Africa, warned that, with inequality and unemployment high in many countries, people cannot afford to remain in lockdown even for a week. The … Read more