Written evidence to be reported to the House

Part of Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 12:00 pm on 16 October 2007.

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Photo of Edward Garnier Edward Garnier Shadow Minister (Justice) 12:00, 16 October 2007

I tell you what, let us go as quickly as we can through the areas about which you have concerns. You mentioned the flexibility in sentencing, which you welcomed, but one of the things that has been taken away from you is the possibility of a suspended prison sentence for summary offences. It was suggested to us this morning by one of the officials from the Ministry of Justice that far too many people are getting these sentences, breaching them, and then having to go into custody to serve the custodial aspect of the sentence. I suggested to that official that perhaps one of the reasons why they are getting suspended sentences for summary offences is that they are persistent offenders and the courts have come to the ends of their tethers and there is no other option than to give them a custodial sentence, but the courts check it by making it a suspended sentence. Is that your experience?