We opened a consultation today on revised sentencing guidelines for seven assault offences, including common assault and attempted murder, and a new guideline for assault on emergency workers.

The Council is seeking views on proposed changes to the way in which the seriousness of assault offences is assessed and on a new draft guideline for sentencing assaults against emergency workers. The new guideline reflects the Assaults on Emergency Workers (Offences) Act 2018, which introduced a higher statutory maximum sentence of 12 months for these offences.

The consultation, which is open until 15 September 2020, has been extended beyond the usual three months in recognition of the changes to many consultees’ working circumstances.