Public given more power to challenge ‘lenient’ sentences given to extremists The public will be able to challenge the sentences given to extremists if they do not believe they are severe […]

The public will be able to challenge the sentences given to extremists if they do not believe they are severe enough under new plans.

People in England and Wales can currently challenge punishments given for the most serious terror offences under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

But under the changes sentences for 19 other crimes will be open to challenge.

The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription.

Calls for the extension came after hate preacher Anjem Choudary was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison.

Extension

Ministers confirmed plans to add a host of terror-related offences to the scheme.

Crimes including encouraging terrorism, sharing terrorist propaganda and belonging to banned organisations will now be covered.

The most serious terror offences, as well as crimes such as murder and rape, are already covered by the scheme.

Under the scheme, anyone can ask the Attorney General to examine sentences they believe to be very low or unduly lenient.

Cases are reviewed and can be sent to the Court of Appeal, which will then determine whether the sentence should stay the same, or be increased.

‘Justice delivered’

The new measure, which was first announced last year, will be formally introduced in a statutory instrument on Monday, before taking effect on August 8.

Any sentences on or after that date will be subject to the scheme, but it will not be applied retrospectively to previous cases.

Justice Minister Dominic Raab said:

“We want the most robust sentences for any terrorist crimes and for victims to have every opportunity to see justice delivered. “Our action will reinforce our focus on deterring people who help radicalise terrorists, and punishing those who wilfully turn a blind eye to terrorist activity.”

Minority

In 2015, the Attorney General’s office referred 136 cases to the Court of Appeal, with the Court increasing the sentences of 102 offenders.

The Ministry of Justice said that, while it is right that the public and victims have the right to request a review, this represents a small proportion of the 80,000 Crown Court cases heard each year and shows that the judiciary get the vast majority of decisions right.

Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC said:

“The ULS scheme allows victims of crime, their families and the public to request a sentence review if they feel it’s too low. “Widening the scheme to include terrorism offences will allow us to challenge more sentences and is a welcome first step to extending it even further. “Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in our society and those convicted of terrorism will receive the sentence they deserve.”