Knives off our streets
Most knife carriers are spared jail
FOUR out of every five people convicted of carrying a knife in Hampshire are getting off without a jail sentence, new figures have revealed.
According to the Ministry of Justice, 160 people were found guilty of possessing a blade in a public place in 2006 - but only 29 of them were thrown behind bars by magistrates.
This week, the Daily Echo revealed the number of people convicted of carrying a knife in Hampshire had soared by 65 per cent over the past decade.
The new figures show for the first time that most of them are walking away with a fine or community punishment.
Magistrates have the power to impose a six-month sentence for an offence. If the defendant is under 18 and the proceedings are in a youth court a two-year custodial sentence can be handed down. The Crown Prosecution Service said: "Whether or not a custodial sentence is awarded is a matter for the courts. We present the evidence and if someone pleads guilty or is found guilty they are given a sentence felt suitable."
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has ordered police in the worst areas to prosecute anyone carrying a blade as part of the latest crackdown on knife crime - but Hampshire was not considered bad enough to be included in the drive.
A Home Office spokesman said the Government took knife crime extremely seriously. Last year the maximum sentence for carrying a knife was increased from two to four years.
He added: "While sentencing is a matter for the courts we expect anyone who might consider carrying a knife to be sent a clear message about the consequences. Sentencing guidelines also state that when a weapon is used to frighten or injure a victim prison sentences should be increased even further. We are actively working with the police to deliver a tough approach to dealing with knife crime.
"This summer there will also be a brand new £1m campaign aimed at warning youngsters of the dangers of carrying a knife. In addition there will be new police resources for hundreds of knife arches and search wands in local communities."
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CommentPosted by: JEN SINGLETON, southampton on 5:54pm Thu 21 Feb 08
Home office spokesman says the government take knife crime seriously! Then says sentencing is a matter for the courts! well then build more prisons then the courts will have some where to send offenders and not let thwm off with a caution or worse still give them a community sentence or TAG/CURFEW .2-4 YEARS FOR CARRYING A KNIFE IS lip service. whats the point in sentencing guidelines when theres nowhere to put them,better still take away their playstations, x-boxes, argos catalogues and the like that they get in prison. save millions and build new prisons with that.
upset with the justice system JUST A LITTLE .rest in peace our beloved son LEWIS SINGLETON
Home office spokesman says the government take knife crime seriously! Then says sentencing is a matter for the courts! well then build more prisons then the courts will have some where to send offenders and not let thwm off with a caution or worse still give them a community sentence or TAG/CURFEW .2-4 YEARS FOR CARRYING A KNIFE IS lip service. whats the point in sentencing guidelines when theres nowhere to put them,better still take away their playstations, x-boxes, argos catalogues and the like that they get in prison. save millions and build new prisons with that.
upset with the justice system JUST A LITTLE .rest in peace our beloved son LEWIS SINGLETON
Posted by: max on 6:35pm Thu 21 Feb 08
no someone that is aged under 18 and went out with his dads fishing knife for protection, his dad phoned the police and had him arrested, he was kept in a cell for 2 nights then appered in court next morning, he got 6 month probation and a slapped wrist, this happend only a few weeks ago, his dad feels this was to light and should have maybe been tagged with a time to be in at night,or just something with a bigger affect on him, but if it happens again his dad will phone police again!!
no someone that is aged under 18 and went out with his dads fishing knife for protection, his dad phoned the police and had him arrested, he was kept in a cell for 2 nights then appered in court next morning, he got 6 month probation and a slapped wrist, this happend only a few weeks ago, his dad feels this was to light and should have maybe been tagged with a time to be in at night,or just something with a bigger affect on him, but if it happens again his dad will phone police again!!
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