Overview

This bill amends the Criminal Justice Act 2003 to increase sentences for crimes motivated by hostility towards members of the armed forces. It treats crimes against service personnel as aggravated offences, leading to harsher penalties.

Description

The bill modifies Section 146 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. This section already covers sentencing increases for crimes aggravated by factors like disability or sexual orientation. The bill adds "being a service person" as an aggravating factor. This means that if a crime is committed because the victim is, or is perceived to be, a member of the armed forces, the sentence will be increased. The definition of "service person" is taken from the Armed Forces Act 2006, but broadened to include any relative of a service person as a "relevant family member" in this context. The bill applies to England and Wales only and comes into force two months after receiving Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending. The increased prison sentences could lead to higher costs associated with incarceration, but no figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Members of the Armed Forces: This bill offers them increased protection under the law by increasing the penalties for crimes committed against them due to their service.
• Families of Armed Forces Personnel: The expanded definition of "relevant family member" extends protections to a wider range of relatives.
• Offenders: Individuals convicted of crimes against service personnel will face harsher penalties.
• The Criminal Justice System: The bill will impact courts and prisons due to the potential for increased caseloads and incarceration times.

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