By Tougher sentences for attacks on emergency workers
The government are currently considering plans to impose tougher sentences for attacks on emergency workers.
This could see the maximum jail term doubled for criminals who assault emergency workers.
In 2018, a law change doubled the maximum term from six months to 12 in England and Wales.
Firefighters, police officers, prison officers and NHS staff are among those covered by the law.
This also means that when a person is convicted of offences including sexual assault or manslaughter, the judge must consider tougher sentences if the victim is an emergency worker.
But now, ministers have launched a consultation on the issue, with many seeking to increase the sentence to 2 years.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said this sent a “clear and simple message” that “vile thugs” would not get away with such “appalling behaviour”.
She added:
“Our police officers, firefighters and other emergency workers go above and beyond every single day – running towards danger to protect us all.
“They are our frontline heroes who put their lives on the line every single day to keep us safe, and yet some despicable individuals still think it’s acceptable to attack, cough or spit at these courageous public servants.”
In 2019, more than 11,000 people were prosecuted for assaulting an emergency worker.
Just a quarter of those found guilty received a suspended sentence or immediate custody.
Due to the recent coronavirus pandemic, deliberately coughing on a front line worker has been made a criminal offence and is regarded as assault.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told BBC Breakfast:
“Stories of many front-line workers, particularly during this time of Covid, have really hit home not just with us but with the public as well and the vital importance of doing everything we can to safeguard our frontline emergency workers.
“Everything that needs to be done should be done, hence today’s announcement.”
