The body that advises courts on sentencing has suggested young offenders convicted of minor robberies should be given a community sentence rather than be sent to custody.
The Sentencing Guidelines Council published a guideline earlier this week saying the starting sentence for young offenders convicted of street robberies, robberies of small businesses, and less sophisticated commercial robberies, should be a 12-month detention and training order.
This applies if there is only a limited threat or use of violence. If a weapon is used to threaten, or force is used, the recommended starting sentence is three years in custody, and if the victim is seriously hurt this rises to seven years.
www.sentencing-guidelines.gov.uk
