Child Sex Offences and GBH Sentences Surge Under Leniency Review Scheme
Unduly Lenient Sentences on the Rise for Heinous Crimes
New stats from the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme for 2022 reveal a sharp jump in tougher sentences for child sex offences, rape, and grievous bodily harm (GBH). The ULS scheme lets anyone challenge Crown Court sentences they think are too soft.
Last year, 23 child sex offence sentences were increased after review, along with 10 for rape and 7 for GBH cases. The scheme, which only applies to specific crimes, requires referrals to the Attorney General’s Office within 28 days of sentencing.
Law Officers Crack Down: Sentence Hikes Confirmed
In 2022, 1,179 cases were reviewed by the Law Officers, with 139 sent to the Court of Appeal. Of those, a hefty 68% ended with harsher punishments, showing the ULS scheme is working to hold offenders to account.
“While the majority of offenders receive appropriate sentences, the ULS scheme is crucial for ensuring dangerous criminals – especially child sexual predators and violent offenders – are punished properly,” said Solicitor General Michael Tomlinson KC MP.
Notorious Cases See Significant Sentence Boosts
The grim list of sentence hikes includes child cruelty, kidnapping, robbery, and murder. The standout case was Semi Lave, whose original 15-year term for raping and abusing two children was extended by nine years, tallying 24 years plus a six-year licence.
Other high-profile sentence increases in 2022 include:
- Lee Gibson of Derby: prison time upped from 16½ years to 23 for child sex offences.
- Mark Page, ex-DJ: sentence jumped from 12 to 18 years for trying to arrange child sexual encounters in the Philippines.
- Zachary Jagger: prison term more than doubled from six to 13 years after running his car into a group, seriously injuring one victim.
- Lorna and Chris Dennington: child cruelty sentences extended to 4 years 10 months and 6 years, following 11 years of abuse.
Justice Served: ULS Scheme Keeps Offenders in Check
The ULS data for 2022 highlights the scheme’s vital role in protecting victims and restoring faith in the justice system. With tens of thousands of serious crime sentences handed down annually, the scheme ensures no offender slips through the cracks with a slap on the wrist.
