Overview

This bill, the Stalking (Sentencing) Bill, aims to increase the maximum prison sentence for stalking offences in England and Wales from five to ten years. This change is intended to reflect the seriousness of stalking and provide courts with stronger sentencing options.

Description

The bill amends Section 4A(5) of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Specifically, it replaces "five years" with "ten years" in subsection (5)(a), which sets the maximum sentence for stalking offences involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress. The bill applies only to England and Wales and will come into effect six months after it receives Royal Assent.

Government Spending

The bill is not expected to have a significant direct impact on government spending. The increased sentencing powers might indirectly lead to increased costs associated with longer prison sentences, but no specific figures are provided within the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Victims of stalking: This bill could potentially benefit victims by allowing for harsher sentences for perpetrators, offering a greater sense of justice and potentially deterring future offenses.
• Perpetrators of stalking: This bill will directly impact those convicted of stalking offences, leading to the possibility of longer prison sentences.
• The Judiciary: Judges will have increased sentencing discretion in cases of stalking.
• The Prison Service: This bill may lead to increased demand for prison capacity.

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