The Sentencing Council has published a new guideline for judges and magistrates. It aims to ensure a consistent and proportionate approach to sentencing, with convicted offenders receiving a sentence that reflects both the harm they have caused to their victim and their culpability.

The new guideline, which has been issued following a 12-week public consultation, will come into effect on 16 January 2012. Although primarily aimed at criminal justice professionals, the guideline is specifically designed to be accessible and clear both to victims and to the public.

The Council has also published a response to the consultation which summarises some of the very useful feedback and comments we received.