Victims and the public are able to challenge ‘unduly lenient’ prison sentences. Fourteen new offences have been added to the scheme allowing them to do so.
The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme gives anyone the power to ask the Attorney General to consider referring a sentence to the Court of Appeal for reconsideration – where it could then be potentially increased if deemed unduly lenient.
From 17 November 2019, criminals convicted of stalking, harassment, child sexual abuse and other sex offences could see their sentences increased if victims or the public think their punishment is too lenient.