Clause 133 - Low-value shoplifting

Part of Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 12:15 pm on 11 July 2013.

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Photo of David Hanson David Hanson Shadow Minister (Home Affairs) 12:15, 11 July 2013

There is a bit of a difference between us there. I happen to think, and this may be a bit old-fashioned—[Hon. Members: “No, never!”] Well, perhaps on these matters, I am old-fashioned. I am sure that many of my constituents would share my old-fashionedness on this issue.

Let us say that an individual has 22 previous convictions, as the individual did in the case that I have cited, and, while he is sitting at home, he gets a letter through the post saying, “You’ve been caught. We know you’ve stolen some cheese from the Co-op and you stole £100-worth of items from Boots the previous day, but despite your 22 convictions, stay in bed this morning. When the post comes, sign the form. Send it back. Plead guilty by post. Don’t put your suit on. Don’t go down to the courtroom. Don’t face that ordeal.” There is a difference of opinion between us about that.

Stephen Phillips rose—