Misconception of public opinion could influence sentencing

Sir Alan Beith, chair of the Justice Committee, said: "Media reports and opinion polls constantly tell us that people want longer custodial sentences.

"However, when asked about the appropriate sentence in specific cases, and given all the facts, people actually support sentencing at or below present practice.

"Sentencing policy should not be determined on the presumption that the public regard longer custodial sentences as more effective.

"Public confidence would be better served by ensuring, and then demonstrating, that sentencing is effective in preventing people from being victims of crime in the future."

The committee released its report on sentencing in the same week that the Sentencing Guidelines Council published new draft guidelines on principles that apply when courts sentence young offenders.

The guidelines, which are to go out for consultation, suggest that the closer an offender is to the age of 18 when an offence is committed, the closer the sentence should be to that which would be imposed on an adult.