Clause 17 - Meeting a child following sexual grooming etc.
Sexual Offences Bill [Lords]
2:30 pm
Ms Vera Baird (Redcar, Labour)
The amendment would increase the maximum sentence for the offence to 14 years. I propose a compromise of 10 years on the basis that we should keep the harsher sentencing for the full offence, rather than for activity that is merely preparatory to committing an offence. Given that the traditional and right approach is to give a sentencing discount for an attempt as opposed to the full offence, I suggest that something that is merely preparatory should also be subject to a discount.