Maximum jail sentences for violent offences against emergency workers could be doubled to two years in England and Wales, under proposals put forward by ministers. The Guardian reports that the proposals, which will be subject to consultation, follow a surge in assaults against National Health Service (NHS) workers and police officers during the coronavirus lockdown even as other crime fell.
Assaults on emergency workers rose 24% in the four weeks to 7 June, compared with the same period last year, with some frontline workers spat at and attacked as they worked.
The Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act was introduced in 2018, stipulating that anyone found guilty of common assault or battery of a police officer, firefighter, prison officer or paramedic faced a maximum 12 months in prison.
Judges must also consider tougher sentences for more serious offences, such as grievous bodily harm or sexual assault, if the victim was an emergency worker.
The Ministry of Justice said it would consult with the emergency services, judiciary and others on whether the maximum penalty should be doubled to two years in jail.
[link url="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/jul/13/double-jail-sentences-attacks-emergency-workers-ministers-england-wales"]Full report in The Guardian[/link]