Overview

This bill aims to prevent murderers from being granted parole if they refuse to disclose the location of their victim's remains. It introduces a new offense of withholding such information, punishable by a minimum 10-year prison sentence. The bill applies to England and Wales.

Description

Restriction on Parole: For murders committed before the bill's enactment, those with knowledge of the victim's remains location who refuse to disclose it will be ineligible for parole or release until they do so. For murders committed after enactment, refusal to disclose the location will result in a whole life sentence, lifted only upon disclosure and recovery of the remains.

New Offence: The bill creates a separate criminal offense for murderers who withhold information about the victim's remains. This carries a penalty of at least 10 years' imprisonment, a fine (up to level 5 on the standard scale), or both.

Geographic Scope: The bill applies only to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The bill's financial implications are not explicitly stated. However, increased prison sentences and the potential for extended investigations into the location of remains could lead to increased costs for the justice system and law enforcement.

Groups Affected

Murderers: Those convicted of murder will face significantly harsher penalties, including a potential whole life sentence if they refuse to cooperate in locating their victim's remains.

Victims' Families: The bill could provide closure and potentially aid in the recovery of their loved one's remains.

Parole Board: The Parole Board's workload might increase, especially if many convicted murderers refuse to cooperate.

Prison System: The bill could lead to increased prison populations and associated costs.

Law Enforcement: Increased investigations to locate remains would increase their workload.

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