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Knife murder jail sentences 'may double' in wake of Ben Kinsella death
Joe Murphy, Political Editor16.06.09
Jail sentences for murder with a knife may be doubled as a direct result of calls made by the family of Ben Kinsella.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw this afternoon announced a review to decide if the 15-year minimum sentence should be raised to 30 years.
That would put it in line with the minimum for murder with a gun, ending an anomaly that was highlighted by Ben's grieving parents.
Mr Straw told the Commons: “In the light of these concerns I intend to review the provisions of Section 21 of the 2003 Criminal Justice Act with a view to deciding whether to amend it, which I can do by order. I will, of course, consult the judiciary and the Sentencing Guidelines Council.”
Ben, 16, was stabbed repeatedly in June last year by three thugs who were jailed last week.
His parents George and Deborah attacked knife laws as “complacent” and called for reform.
Mr Straw's swift response comes after mounting concern about the rise in knife crime and gang-related deaths.
Officials said Mr Straw would also consider increasing the minimum sentence by less than 15 years. Judges can already impose life sentences for any murder so it would not affect all cases.
Reader views (6)
This is an easy option as you already got a victim and a defendant, too often you read about people carrying knives and getting as little as a caution, start with the carriers , min 3yrs for possession and if they pull the knife out 5yrs and if they stab a person non fatale 10yrs and kill someone 30yrs.
I can't see any reason why a person should carry a knife unless it's for there work or carrying a fishing rod.
The Justice Secretary Jack Straw should do something now because it only going to get worse.
- David, Abbey Wood SE2
We very much welcome this review, it is about time Jack Straw listened to the families of murder victims, I wonder how many lives would have been saved if he had started listening years ago. We have been campaigning for government to:-
increase the prison-term starting point for murder from the current 15 years to at least 25 years
implement a zero-tolerance policy towards ALL violent crime
ensure that message is sent loud and clear including via tougher sentences, media advertising campaigns and education in schools.
RIP Buster Knight and all victims of lethal violent crime.
- Karen - Murder Sentencing Campaign, London UK
Never mind increasing sentences - life imprisonment
should mean just that - LIFE!
- Lb, Bromley
I thought jail terms were guidlines only. The judge should be able to use his/her loaf to hand out longer sentences if the crime deserves it. I'm sure public opinion would back them.
- Dom, London
Frank,please read,murder tariffs are MINIMUM terms meaning they will not be released half way through.
Im glad he is finally reviewing them,most killers dont even receive 15 years,most start at a minimum of just 12
- Jen, london
Sentences may double?
What's the point, Straw releases these vermin half way through their sentence anyway. If they are not out under 'supervision' orders already.
Labour: tough on the victims of crime.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
