Council-backed policy on jail sentences for knife possession introduced

Changes are being made to the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill. Photograph: © Michael Coghlan (Creative Commons)

Mandatory six-month prison sentences for anyone caught twice carrying a knife, blocked last year by the Liberal Democrats and backed by Hackney Council, are to be finally introduced.

The changes which come into effect on 17 July mean adults convicted more than once of being in possession of a blade face a minimum 6 month prison sentence and a maximum of 4 years.

Young offenders, aged 16 and 17, will face a minimum 4 month detention and training order.

Hackney Council submitted evidence to a government select committee on youth crime and gangs in support of the tough new “two-strikes” system.

In its submission the Council said: “Stronger sentences would send a powerful message and provide reassurance to the law abiding majority, and we are not convinced that sentencing at the moment is acting as a deterrent.”

The Liberal Democrats blocked the law’s introduction during the last government, with former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg calling it a “headline-grabbing” measure.

The justice ministry estimates that about 1,000 offenders a year will be jailed as a result of the new move.

The legislation has been criticised by charity The Howard League for Penal Reform. Andrew Neilson, Director of Campaigns said previously that there were “numerous problems” with the changes.

Neilson said: “Children aged 16 and 17 should not receive mandatory sentences for knife possession, even if it is the second time they have been caught. It is vital that the individual circumstances of each child are considered by the courts and that sentencers can exercise discretion.

Criminal Justice Minister Mike Penning said: “We are already making sure knife offenders are properly punished and keeping more off the streets for longer, making our communities safer. With this new measure we are sending out the strongest message to offenders – repeatedly take a knife onto our streets and expect to go to prison.